Donald Trump y Emmanuel Macron met at the White House to hold crucial talks concerning the situation in Ukraine, highlighted by a handshake that hinted at some discomfort. This meeting takes place in a context of uncertainty in transatlantic relations, where a common approach to the Russian invasion is being sought.
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During the meeting, Trump claimed that Russian President, Vladimir Putin, might accept the presence of European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a possible agreement to end the conflict. “Yes, he will accept it,” stated Trump, adding that he had posed this question to Putin. “Look, if we make this deal, he is not looking for a Third World War,” he added.
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“Near an agreement,” according to Trump
At the beginning of the talks, Trump expressed that “It seems that we are very close” of reaching an agreement, suggesting that the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelenski, could visit Washington in the coming days to sign the pact. However, Trump did not specify whether the developing agreement would include security guarantees from the United States. “Europe will make sure nothing happens”, stood out.
The day began with Trump and Macron participating in a virtual meeting with other leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), where they discussed the war in Ukraine. Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to comment on the negotiations, insisting on his belief that “the war never would have started if I had been president.”
“Conversaciones sobre el futuro de Ucrania”
In his post, Trump mentioned: “Today, President Emmanuel Macron of France joined me in the Oval Office to discuss the G7 Summit”. The meeting was convened by the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, the current G7 president, to commemorate the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
Trump emphasized the importance of a “Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Agreement” between the United States and Ukraine, which he expects to be signed soon. According to him, this agreement is an “Economic Partnership” that will allow the recovery of billions of dollars and military equipment sent to Ukraine, while helping the Ukrainian economy to grow. The president also mentioned that he is engaged in “serious discussions” with Putin about ending the war and “economic development transactions” between the two countries. “The talks are progressing very well,” he concluded.
Amid political uncertainty, names of potential successors to Zelensky began to emerge in case he decided to resign. Among them are:
- Valery Zaluzhny: Known as “el General de Hierro,” he led the defense of Kyiv at the beginning of the conflict and has achieved an almost iconic status in Ukraine. He is currently the country’s ambassador in London.
- Vitali Klitschko: The former boxing champion and current mayor of Kyiv, has been a symbol of resistance during the Russian attacks and is considered a pro-European leader who could be a strong contender.
- Viktor Medvedchuk: A Ukrainian oligarch known for his ties with Putin, he has been a key interlocutor between Moscow and Kyiv, although his arrest in 2021 for alleged ties with Russian separatists has generated tensions.
Trump and his attempt to improve Putin’s image
In the international arena, the United States failed to have the UN General Assembly approve a resolution that sought to end the war without mentioning Russian aggression. The vote resulted in 93 votes in favor, 8 against, and 73 abstentions, with Ukraine supporting the resolution and Russia voting against. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Macron discussed the need for “united leadership in support of Ukraine.”
Both leaders analyzed the Russian invasion and agreed to place Ukraine at the center of peace negotiations. Starmer reiterated the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasizing that “el Reino Unido y Europa deben estar unidos contra la agresión rusa.” An official statement from the British government indicated that further discussions would take place in the United States in the coming week.
For his part, Zelenski expressed his willingness to resign in favor of peace or NATO membership. “If it’s about peace in Ukraine and they really want me to leave my post, I’m willing to do it,” he stated, emphasizing that he would pursue this alternative without delay.