Endgame in Ukraine: Donald Trump Hopes to End the War Russia's Putin Started

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed hope that Russia's war in Ukraine is nearing an endgame as he met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sideline of the conflict's third anniversary.

The two leaders met at the White House, with countries at loggerheads at the United Nations over resolutions describing Russia as the aggressor in the war.

When asked if he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine, Trump replied, "Yeah, he will accept it. I have asked him that question. Look, if we do this deal, he's not looking for more war."

Also read | UN Rejects US Resolution Urging End to Ukraine War

Furthermore, Trump reiterated that he hoped Russia's invasion of Ukraine could end in weeks.

Security Guarantees for Ukraine: A Key Focus in Ongoing Talks

Speaking on a deal with Ukraine, Trump hopes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will soon come to the US to sign a deal giving America access to Kyiv's critical minerals that are used in key technology.

“It looks like we're getting very close,” Trump told reporters of the minerals deal before he meets with Macron. He said Zelenskyy could potentially visit Washington this week or next to sign it.

This comes as Ukraine is seeking security guarantees as part of any peace agreement amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

At a joint press conference following a meeting with Trump, French President Macron emphasized that European nations must take on more responsibility to strengthen defence on the continent, while also warning against surrendering to Russia.

Macron stressed, "This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine. It must not mean a ceasefire without guarantees. This peace must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty."

Macron, who had severed direct communication with Putin after Russian forces committed atrocities in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, expressed hope that Trump’s renewed engagement with Putin could lead to positive outcomes.

Also read | Wikileaks Cable In Lead Up To War Reveal Kyiv Didn’t Want to Join NATO

Divisions Among Allies on the Global Stage

While Macron and Trump were in discussions, the United States found itself at odds with European allies at the United Nations. The US abstained from voting on a resolution it had initially proposed, as European nations, led by France, successfully amended it to directly blame Russia for the invasion of Ukraine.

Macron, before meeting with Trump, expressed his intention to remind the US president that both American and European interests are best served by showing strength in the face of Putin’s actions. He warned that Trump’s approach to Russia could undermine US credibility, especially in dealings with China, the US’s most significant competitor.

“You can’t be weak in the face of President Putin. It’s not you, it’s not your trademark, and it’s not in your interest,” Macron advised Trump, stressing the importance of standing firm against Putin in order to maintain credibility on the world stage.

Trump, however, has continued to express admiration for Putin, stating earlier this month that he would like to see Russia rejoin the G7, a group from which Russia was suspended following its 2014 annexation of Crimea. Trump concluded, "I really believe he wants to make a deal," acknowledging the possibility that his view may be wrong, but expressing hope for diplomatic progress.

(Inputs from AP)