President Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office, discussing the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine within weeks. Trump expressed optimism about a potential White House visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to finalize a rare earth and critical minerals deal alongside security assurances. He also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, foreseeing an end to conflict in the region.

Macron’s visit coincided with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with European leaders urging Trump to support Ukraine during peace negotiations with Putin. Macron confirmed that certain European countries were willing to provide troops to Ukraine in a non-combat capacity to uphold peace.

Despite friendly interactions between Trump and Macron during the meeting, they disagreed on the nature of Europe’s support for Ukraine. Trump characterized it as a loan, prompting Macron to clarify the financial aid provided to Ukraine. The leaders shared stories and light-hearted moments, showcasing their differing perspectives on the situation in Ukraine.

Looking ahead, Trump is scheduled to meet with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer later in the week, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagements on the international stage. The discussions between Trump, Macron, and other world leaders reflect the complex dynamics surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement.