Donald Trump claims Ukraine peace deal ‘very close’ after talks with French President Emmanuel Macron

US President Donald Trump expressed hope that Russia's war in Ukraine was nearing an end as he met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday (February 24), marking the third anniversary of the invasion.

"It looks like we’re getting very close," Trump told reporters at the start of his bilateral meeting with Macron. He added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could visit Washington as soon as this week or next to sign an economic agreement.

Trump floats European peacekeepers in Ukraine

Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine to help maintain stability in a post-war scenario.

"Yeah, he will accept it," Trump said. "I have asked him that question. Look, if we do this deal, he’s not looking for more war."

Macron stresses need for security guarantees

Macron underscored the importance of ensuring lasting peace, telling reporters, "We have necessity to have guarantees for solid peace. This is a very important moment for Europe as well."

Ukraine's critical minerals deal in focus

Trump emphasised the significance of an economic agreement that would grant the US access to Ukraine's critical minerals. The deal, according to Trump, would help repay some of the $180 billion in American aid sent to Kyiv since the start of the war.

Zelenskyy, initially resistant to the deal, had called for stronger security assurances for Ukraine. "We are making great progress," he said on X, adding, "we want a good economic deal that will be part of a true security guarantee system for Ukraine."

Trump’s controversial approach to Ukraine policy

Trump has been critical of Zelenskyy, previously calling him a "dictator" and falsely claiming that Kyiv started the war. He also sparked outrage in Europe by sending top aides to preliminary talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia without involving Ukraine or European representatives.

UN General Assembly rejects US resolution

Amid these high-level discussions, the US failed to secure UN General Assembly approval for a resolution urging an end to the war without mentioning Russian aggression. Instead, the assembly passed a European-backed Ukrainian resolution demanding Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine.

Upcoming meeting with UK Prime Minister

Trump is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday (February 27), a key moment as European leaders seek clarity on America’s shifting foreign policy stance under Trump’s leadership.