President Trump Claims Progress in Ukraine Peace Talks After G7 Call
Washington, D.C. – US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met on Monday to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Trump expressing optimism about progress towards ending the conflict.
According to Trump, significant progress has been made in recent negotiations, particularly in discussions with Russia. He noted positive developments in trade relations between the US and France.
Macron’s Role
Macron played a crucial role in initiating the meeting. He had previously called for an emergency gathering of world leaders after the Trump administration excluded Europe from negotiations over the conflict.
Macron emphasized the importance of maintaining guarantees and solid peace to stabilize the situation in Ukraine. He also stressed the need for Europe to step up as a stronger partner in defense and security, as well as trade and investment.
Trump’s Statements
Trump praised Macron’s efforts, calling him a "very special man." He suggested that a peace deal with Russia and Ukraine was nearing, with the possibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arriving in the US to sign the agreement.
However, Trump’s comments about the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine raised some eyebrows. He claimed that the war would not have started if he were president, despite the fact that the conflict began well before his term in office.
Bilateral Meeting and G7 Call
Macron and Trump held a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office after the G7 call, followed by a joint press conference. The G7 call, convened by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, acknowledged the anniversary of the war and emphasized the goal of ending it.
Economic Partnership with Ukraine
Trump highlighted the importance of an "Economic Partnership" with Ukraine. According to him, this deal will help recoup US investments in the country while supporting Ukraine’s economic growth after the war.
Discussions with Russia
Trump also revealed that he was holding discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the war’s end and potential economic development transactions. He claimed that these talks were progressing well.
Macron’s Views on Putin
Macron, while respectful of Trump, expressed his belief that weakness in dealing with Putin was not in the best interests of Ukraine or any other party.
Trump’s Previous Criticism
Prior to the meeting, Trump had criticized Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not doing enough to end the war. However, Macron indicated that he would convey to Trump the importance of avoiding weakness in the face of Putin.
Conclusion
The US-France meeting and the G7 call suggest that there may be some progress towards ending the conflict in Ukraine. However, the specifics of any potential peace agreement and the timeline for its implementation remain unclear.
