Trump Says Putin Ready To Accept European Peacekeepers
According to RFE/RL, U.S. President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to accept European peacekeepers ahead of talks with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on ways to end the war in Ukraine.
"I have specifically asked him that question. He has no problem it," Trump said, when asked by a reporter about Putin's position on the matter.
Macron said European countries "are ready and willing to provide" Ukraine with security guarantees "which could perhaps include troops."
The French leader said any European forces sent to Ukraine would be there to "maintain peace" and would not be placed along the front lines or become part of the conflict.
Trump said his team is “constantly” speaking with the Russians, including about potential U.S.-Russian business deals, representing a shocking change in U.S. policy. The Biden administration sought to isolate Russia politically and economically, disengaging from communication and imposing sweeping sanctions on the country, following its invasion of Ukraine.
“My administration is making a decisive break with the foreign policy values of the past administration, and frankly the past,” Trump said.
He said the two sides were close to signing a deal on Ukrainian mineral resources.
"Once it is signed, Russia will go back to its business and Ukraine with Europe will go to their business. Things will be very good," Trump said after welcoming Macron to the White House.
Macron's visit to Washington comes on the third anniversary of the war sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion. He and Trump attended a virtual meeting with fellow leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) economies to discuss the war in Ukraine prior to holding one-on-one talks.
The trip to Washington comes on a day of high-stakes diplomacy, where Macron's visit, along with a summit in Kyiv and a showdown over diplomatic language at the United Nations over how to refer to the war have laid bare Western divisions over how to end it.
Ahead of his trip, Macron said he would present a European action plan to help achieve a durable peace deal with solid security guarantees for Ukraine.
