U.S. President Donald Trump continues to advocate for ending the war in Ukraine, expressing optimism about achieving peace despite uncertainties regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance. “It’s time to end this bloodletting and restore peace, and I think we’re going to do it,” Trump stated on Monday.
During a meeting at the White House, Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the ongoing conflict as Ukraine marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Trump suggested that Putin might accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement, noting he had posed this question to the Russian leader.
However, Putin indicated on Monday that he has not engaged in detailed discussions with Trump regarding resolving the conflict, nor have their negotiating teams during recent meetings in Saudi Arabia. In remarks broadcast on state television, Putin mentioned that Russia has not dismissed the possibility of European countries participating in a peace settlement, though he and other officials have previously opposed Western forces’ presence in Ukraine.
Following their meeting, Macron emphasized the importance of a peace agreement that does not equate to Ukraine’s surrender, insisting on guarantees for Ukrainian sovereignty. “This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine,” Macron stated. “It must not mean a ceasefire without guarantees. This peace must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty.”
The war, which began with Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, displaced millions, and disrupted daily life in Ukraine. Despite three years of conflict, Russia controls nearly one-fifth of Ukraine but has not succeeded in overthrowing the government in Kyiv.
At the United Nations, the U.S. diverged from its European allies by voting against a Europe-backed Ukrainian resolution condemning Russia’s aggression and calling for an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops. The U.S. then abstained from voting on its own competing resolution after European amendments highlighted Russia as the aggressor. This diplomatic shift has raised concerns among European nations regarding the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
In a related development, Trump indicated that the U.S. and Ukraine are nearing an agreement on resources that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals. He suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might visit Washington soon to finalize the deal. The Trump administration has urged Ukraine to consent to this minerals agreement, with the president seeking “equalization” for the support Washington has provided to Kyiv during its conflict with Russia.
While Ukraine seeks future security guarantees as part of any agreement, Trump did not specify whether the emerging deal would include such assurances. “Europe is going to make sure nothing happens,” Trump remarked.
Zelenskyy recently convened with 13 Western leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in Kyiv for a summit focused on peace and security for Ukraine. Notably, the U.S. did not have representation at this gathering.
U.S. support has been crucial for Ukraine throughout the war. However, Trump’s critical comments about both Ukraine and Zelenskyy have drawn criticism from other leaders and observers. Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Trump’s recent remarks, including suggestions that Ukraine initiated the war and labeling its president a “dictator,” as “the most egregious piece of victim-blaming I’ve ever seen.” Johnson added, “To say that Ukraine started the war is nauseating; it is pure Kremlin propaganda.”
Source: Swifteradio.com
