President Trump said Monday he was optimistic that Russia’s war in Ukraine was nearing an end as he met with French President Emmanuel Macron on the third anniversary of the invasion.
Speaking ahead of their bilateral meeting, Trump suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine and expressed hope that the conflict could end within weeks. He also indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might soon visit Washington to sign a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals as partial repayment for the $180 billion in American aid sent to Kyiv since the war began.
“It looks like we’re getting very close,” Trump told reporters, adding that Zelenskyy’s visit could happen as early as this week or next.
Earlier in the day, Trump and Macron joined a virtual meeting with fellow Group of Seven leaders to discuss the war. The talks come at a time of uncertainty in transatlantic relations, with Trump reshaping American foreign policy and sidelining European leadership as he pushes for a rapid resolution in Ukraine.
Ukraine has sought security guarantees as part of any settlement, but Trump did not specify whether the emerging deal would include U.S. commitments. Alongside his push for rare earth minerals from Ukraine, Trump has made territorial demands—including Greenland, Canada, Gaza, and the Panama Canal.
At a joint press conference, Macron described their talks as productive and acknowledged that European nations must strengthen their defense capabilities. However, he cautioned against any settlement that would amount to Ukrainian capitulation.
“This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine,” Macron said. “It must not mean a ceasefire without guarantees. This peace must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty.”
Trump reiterated his belief that Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a deal. “Yeah, he will accept it,” Trump said. “I have asked him that question. Look, if we do this deal, he’s not looking for more war.”
Putin, however, said Monday that he has not discussed a resolution to the war in detail with Trump, nor had Russian and American negotiating teams during their recent meeting in Saudi Arabia. He added that Russia does not rule out European involvement in a future peace settlement.
