Trump, Macron Discuss Ukraine Peace Deal; Putin May Accept European Peacekeepers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal, following talks with French President Macron. The remarks come amid US-led negotiations to end the three-year Ukraine war, as Trump pushes for a minerals-for-peace agreement with Kyiv. European leaders remain wary, warning against appeasing Moscow and sidelining Ukraine.
Trump’s Peace Proposal: Quick Looks
- Trump: Putin “will accept” European peacekeepers in Ukraine
- Macron urges Trump to remain firm against Russian aggression
- US-Europe relations tense as Ukraine war hits three-year mark
- Trump eyes minerals deal with Ukraine; Zelenskyy seeks security guarantees
- Zelenskyy-Trump spat continues: Accusations of disinformation and dictatorship claims
- UN rejects US resolution lacking direct mention of Russian invasion
- Next diplomatic stop: UK’s Keir Starmer to meet Trump on Thursday
Trump and Macron Talks: Quick Looks
- Macron visits Washington: Urges Trump to stay tough on Russia
- Transatlantic tensions rise: Europe uneasy over US-Russia negotiations excluding allies
- Ukraine conflict looms large: Trump pushes for quick peace deal; Macron warns against weakness
- Trump calls Zelenskyy a “dictator”: Strains US-Ukraine relations further
- Economic demands: Trump seeks access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals
- Global stakes: US approach to Putin could shape China relations
- Macron’s warning: “Weakness toward Putin undermines credibility with China.”
- Next up: Trump to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Thursday
Trump, Macron Discuss Ukraine Peace Deal; Putin May Accept European Peacekeepers
Deep Look
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a significant diplomatic development, President Donald Trump announced Monday that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is open to allowing European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a potential agreement to end the three-year-long war.
“Yeah, he will accept it,” Trump said when asked if Putin would agree to peacekeepers. “He’s not looking for World War.”
Trump’s comments came during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Trump welcomed Macron to the White House on Monday, marking a critical moment for transatlantic relations and the future of the Ukraine war. Their talks, held on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, highlighted growing rifts between the US and Europe over diplomacy with Moscow.
The day began with both leaders participating in a two-hour virtual G7 summit. Shortly after, Trump and Macron discussed Ukraine, Russia, and global security—topics that have tested the endurance of the US-Europe alliance.
“You can’t be weak in the face of President Putin,” Macron warned. “It’s not in your interest—or Europe’s.”
- Trump Pushes for Quick Deal, Macron Warns Against Weakness
Trump’s push for a swift end to the war centers on:
- US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals to repay $180 billion in aid
- Deployment of European peacekeepers to enforce a ceasefire
- Potential security guarantees—though Trump deferred specifics
“It looks like we’re getting very close,” Trump said of the mineral agreement. “Zelenskyy may visit Washington soon to sign.”
Macron, however, emphasized caution:
“Weakness toward Putin risks undermining global stability,” Macron warned.
Trump’s “America First” Approach Rattles Europe
President Trump has prioritized rapid negotiations to end the Ukraine war, a strategy that has excluded Ukrainian and European officials. His administration is pressing for:
- Territorial concessions including Greenland and Gaza (seen as non-starters globally)
- Access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals to boost US industries
- A quick peace deal with Russia, sparking concerns of a rushed settlement
“Putin doesn’t need to make a deal,” Trump said Friday. “He could take the whole country if he wanted.”
Such remarks, coupled with Trump’s repeated criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—whom he labeled a “dictator”—have strained relations with Kyiv. Zelenskyy responded, accusing Trump of living in a “Russian-made disinformation space.”
Macron Pushes Back, Cautions Against Appeasing Putin
Macron emphasized the danger of showing weakness toward Moscow, warning that China is watching how the West handles the Ukraine crisis.
“If you’re soft on Putin, how do you remain credible with China?” Macron posed on social media.
Trump, however, remains open to Russia rejoining the G7, reversing years of Western isolation since Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.
US-Europe Rift Widens Over Ukraine Strategy
European leaders expressed alarm at being excluded from US-Russia back-channel talks in Saudi Arabia. Macron’s visit aimed to ensure Europe’s voice isn’t sidelined.
“Europe will ensure peace is durable,” Macron said. “This affects all of us.”
Zelenskyy Cautious, Seeks Security Guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially resisted the minerals deal, demanding long-term security guarantees alongside economic terms.
“We need a deal that ensures our future security,” Zelenskyy posted on X.
His relationship with Trump remains strained after:
- Trump called Zelenskyy a “dictator”
- Zelenskyy accused Trump of being in a “Russian disinformation space”
UN Vote Highlights Diplomatic Divides
While the US failed to pass a resolution at the UN lacking mention of Russia’s aggression, the European-backed Ukrainian resolution passed with 93 votes in favor.
US abstained, Russia opposed, Ukraine supported the European measure.
Putin’s Stance: Eyeing Concessions Without Conceding
Putin reportedly views European peacekeepers as a low-cost concession to legitimize any ceasefire—without giving up occupied territory.
“He doesn’t need to make a deal,” Trump said. “But he sees benefits.”
What’s at Stake Globally
For Europe: Preventing a precedent of unchecked aggression
For the US: Economic gains vs. diplomatic credibility
For Ukraine: Survival, sovereignty, and long-term security
Europe Frustrated, UK’s Starmer Set to Visit Next
European leaders, blindsided by US-Russia back-channel talks, fear American disengagement from European security frameworks. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is due at the White House Thursday to reinforce Europe’s stance.
“This is about global stability,” Starmer stated. “Ukraine’s sovereignty cannot be a bargaining chip.”
Ukraine’s Perspective: Feeling Sidelined
Despite Trump’s push for a minerals-for-peace deal, Ukraine remains wary:
- Zelenskyy insists on security guarantees alongside any economic agreements
- Ukraine demands full Russian withdrawal before peace talks advance
- Kyiv resents being excluded from US-led negotiations
“We won’t trade territory for peace,” Zelenskyy said Sunday.
Why This Matters Globally
- Ukraine’s future: Could hinge on Trump’s Russia diplomacy
- US-Europe relations: At risk of long-term damage over diplomatic rifts
- Mineral negotiations: High stakes for global tech and defense industries
- Peace or appeasement? Critics say Trump’s haste benefits Putin more than Ukraine
“This isn’t peace through strength—it’s peace through surrender,” said Ian Kelly, former US ambassador to Georgia.
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