U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine.
The U.S. president said the two leaders are discussing "major" economic deals as part of discussions on ending the war started by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
"I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the ending of the War, and also major Economic Development transactions which will take place between the United States and Russia. Talks are proceeding very well!" Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Hosting Macron at the White House on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, Trump also said he expected Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit this week or next, to sign a deal giving Washington access to Kyiv's minerals.
Trump hailed Macron as a "very special man" as they shared one of their trademark macho handshakes in the Oval Office – with the French president seeking to use his ties with Trump to shore up support for Ukraine.
"I think we could end it within weeks – if we're smart. If we're not smart, it will keep going," Trump said.
The U.S. president added that Putin was ready to "accept" European troops deployed in Ukraine as guarantors of a deal to end fighting.
Macron said that both leaders wanted a "solid long long-lasting peace," proclaimed that Europe was ready to "step up" defense spending and reiterated that Europe was ready to deploy peacekeepers.
But he said he wanted "strong" U.S. involvement in any such plan.
Both Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer – who is visiting the White House on Thursday – have said their countries are ready to contribute peacekeeping troops in Ukraine if there is a deal.
