In a significant diplomatic engagement, French President Emmanuel Macron met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to deliberate on Europe's involvement in ensuring Ukraine's security as peace talks advance. This meeting coincided with the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, underscoring the urgency of a resolution.
During a joint press conference, President Trump suggested the potential deployment of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept such an arrangement. "I have asked him that question... he has no problem with it," Trump stated.
President Macron emphasized Europe's readiness to take a leading role in Ukraine's security and reconstruction efforts. He highlighted the necessity of a peace strategy that guarantees Ukraine's sovereignty and long-term stability, cautioning against any agreement that might compromise these principles.
The discussions also touched upon a prospective rare minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, aimed at bolstering Ukraine's economic resilience. President Trump indicated plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the near future to finalize this deal.
This high-level dialogue reflects a concerted effort by Western leaders to coordinate their approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, balancing diplomatic negotiations with strategic support to uphold regional security and international law.