In a recent interview, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer for their perceived inaction in resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump stated that both leaders “haven’t done anything” to end the conflict, despite their countries’ continued support for Ukraine.
These remarks come ahead of scheduled visits by Macron and Starmer to the White House, where discussions are expected to focus on the Ukraine crisis. Macron is set to meet with Trump on Monday, followed by Starmer on Thursday.
Despite his criticism, Trump expressed a willingness to engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to facilitate peace negotiations. He suggested that Zelenskyy should meet with Putin to negotiate an end to the war, indicating a shift from previous comments where he downplayed Ukraine’s role in such talks.
Trump’s administration has also been involved in discussions regarding Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz indicated that a deal granting the U.S. access to these resources is forthcoming, framing it as a means for Ukraine to repay the U.S. for its military support.
While European leaders have expressed concerns over being sidelined in peace negotiations, Trump’s direct approach aims to expedite a resolution to the conflict. His willingness to engage personally with key stakeholders reflects a proactive stance in seeking an end to the hostilities.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely to see how these diplomatic efforts will influence the trajectory of the war in Ukraine.
