US President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with French leader Emmanuel Macron on February 24th announced important initiatives regarding the end of the war between Ukraine and Russia. According to him, significant progress on this matter is expected in the upcoming weeks.
The Role of Europe in Ensuring Peace
Trump emphasized that European countries should take greater responsibility for stability in the region, particularly regarding Ukraine's security. He noted that France and other European partners are ready to become more actively involved in the peace process. "We have achieved significant progress. This is just the beginning of what will happen in the next few weeks," – said Trump.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in an interview with Fox News after meeting with the American leader, also confirmed the likelihood of reaching a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia in the near future. According to him, European states are considering security guarantees for Ukraine.
Expected Meeting of Zelensky in Washington
During the meeting, Trump stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may soon arrive in Washington to sign an agreement on cooperation in the field of critically important minerals, including rare earth elements.
"Ukraine and the USA need to find common solutions not only on security issues but also on strategic partnership. This is a matter we are working on, and significant progress has already been made," – added Trump.
He also stressed that his administration has done more to achieve peace in one month than what has been accomplished over the past three years.
Macron’s Position on Ukraine’s Sovereignty
The French President emphasized that a peaceful resolution to the conflict should not imply Ukraine’s capitulation. According to him, a ceasefire must be accompanied by reliable security guarantees.
"It should be an agreement that ensures Ukrainian sovereignty. This is not just a ceasefire but the creation of a mechanism that will guarantee security in the long term," – Macron stressed.
The French leader also recalled that in 2014, Ukraine did not receive sufficient security guarantees, which allowed Russia to occupy Crimea and start a large-scale war.
Prospects for a Peacekeeping Mission in Ukraine
During the press conference, the issue of possible presence of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine was discussed. Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not oppose such an initiative.
"I asked him directly about this, and he had no problem with it," – Trump said, commenting on the possibility of introducing peacekeeping troops.
Macron, in turn, noted that European circles are actively considering the option of sending troops to Ukraine after signing a peace agreement. He clarified that the contingent would not be involved in hostilities but would serve to support security in designated regions.
Security Guarantees and the New US Policy
The French President emphasized that the United States has expressed willingness to support European initiatives regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. In his opinion, this marks a significant shift in the US approach to the conflict.
"Europe is ready to take responsibility, but it is important for the US to continue supporting our efforts. This will be the key to sustainable peace in the region," – Macron concluded.
Summary of the Meeting
As a result of the negotiations, Macron highlighted several key points indicating progress:
- Trump confirmed his readiness to meet with Zelensky to coordinate a strategic agreement on cooperation in minerals and security.
- The US and Europe are discussing a mechanism to ensure guarantees for Ukraine that will make the peace agreement long-lasting.
- The American administration expressed readiness to support European initiatives to stabilize the situation in the region.
Macron emphasized that a swift end to the war is a priority, but the agreement must be strong and just. "We have reached a point where the US clearly expressed its readiness to be part of the peace process. This is a key factor for further negotiations," – said the French president.
In the coming weeks, further developments are expected that could significantly change the course of the war and international efforts to bring it to an end.
