Trump's Candid Remarks on Putin Amid Push for Ukraine Security Deal
President Trump Discusses Peace in Ukraine with Macron and Zelensky
President Donald Trump was overheard on Monday reassuring French President Emmanuel Macron that Russian President Vladimir Putin was interested in making peace in Ukraine. Trump expressed his belief that Putin wanted to make a deal during a meeting in the White House East Room. Macron seemed doubtful about Putin's intentions to end the conflict that Russia had initiated.
Following a high-stakes meeting with Putin in Alaska, Trump convened Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House. Despite describing his meeting with Putin as productive, Trump was unsuccessful in securing a ceasefire agreement.
During discussions in Washington, European leaders focused on security guarantees and the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children. Trump met with Zelensky before leading a larger group discussion in the East Room, which included leaders such as Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The atmosphere during Zelensky's meeting with Trump in the Oval Office was notably more positive compared to their previous encounter in February. Trump complimented Zelensky's attire and refrained from making controversial remarks. The leaders later gathered for a group photo in the Cross Hall.
Trump expressed his hope for a trilateral meeting involving himself, Zelensky, and Putin. He confirmed plans for such a meeting and discussed the potential for peace in the region. Zelensky also conveyed optimism about the discussions, describing them as productive and hinting at future positive outcomes.
As negotiations with Russia continued, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Macron urged Trump to push for a ceasefire to halt civilian casualties. Macron proposed a future quadrilateral meeting involving Trump, Putin, Zelensky, and European leaders to address security guarantees for the European continent.
During interactions with reporters, Trump engaged in light-hearted banter with the European leaders, discussing topics such as golf and media interactions. The discussions centered on efforts to secure peace in Ukraine and the importance of ceasefire agreements in ongoing negotiations.
The day concluded with Trump confirming plans for a Putin-Zelensky meeting and expressing optimism for progress in achieving peace in the region. The leaders' discussions emphasized the need for security guarantees and a commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine.