WASHINGTON, Feb 25(Alliance News): US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to the idea of European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a ceasefire agreement, with French President Emmanuel Macron affirming Europe’s readiness to support the initiative.
Following a video conference with G7 leaders to mark the third anniversary of the war, Trump and Macron discussed potential peace negotiations in Oval Office talks.
Trump stated that Putin “has no problem” with the deployment of peacekeeping forces, while Macron emphasized that Europe could provide security guarantees once a truce is in place.
Macron clarified that any European troops would not engage in combat but would be stationed to “ensure that the peace is respected.”
He stressed that agreeing to a poorly negotiated settlement could be seen as a capitulation by Ukraine and might embolden adversaries like China and Iran.
Trump also revealed that the US is finalizing a minerals deal with Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expected to visit soon to sign the agreement.
The deal aims to recoup funds sent to Kyiv as military aid during the Biden administration. However, Zelenskiy recently rejected US demands for $500 billion in mineral wealth, arguing that the aid provided so far does not justify such a sum and lacks concrete security guarantees.
Amid growing concerns in Europe over Trump’s approach to the conflict, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit Washington later this week.
Both Macron and Starmer aim to convince Trump to avoid a rushed ceasefire with Putin, insisting that any agreement must involve European partners and include military guarantees for Ukraine.
