US, Ukraine Nearing Minerals Deal Trump and Macron Discuss Paths to End War in Ukraine

(The Post News)- US President Donald Trump announced that the US is nearing a minerals revenue-sharing deal with Ukraine. He made this announcement during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump described the deal as “very close.” He mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might visit Washington soon to finalize it. Trump also indicated that he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, though no date was specified.

During their meeting, Macron emphasized Europe’s commitment to offering Ukraine security guarantees, including sending peacekeepers if a ceasefire is reached. Trump expressed support for this, stating he had discussed the idea with Putin, who seemed open to it.

The topic of wartime territory concessions was also discussed by the two presidents. Someone asked whether Ukraine would have to give up territory in a peace agreement with Russia. Trump responded that negotiations were still in their early phases. The intricacies of the ongoing struggle and the possibility of territorial changes were brought to light during this discussion.

Macron’s visit was the first by a European leader since Trump returned to office. The two spent nearly two hours discussing the situation in Ukraine. To plan for the conflict, they also convened a video conference with other G7 leaders. Concerns were growing in Europe over Trump’s strategy toward Ukraine. His outreach to Moscow was particularly troubling at the time of the visit. Later this week, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet Trump. They are scheduled to discuss continuing European engagement in Ukraine’s security.

Macron reiterated Europe’s intention to lead Ukraine’s security efforts after a truce, but also emphasized the need for US support. He called for re-engaging with Russia. This stance differs from the European consensus. He acknowledged that international diplomacy has shifted under the new US administration.

The minerals agreement with Ukraine is a component of ongoing discussions. These talks aim to make up for the military assistance that Ukraine received during the Biden administration. But in his discussions with Trump, Macron failed to win US military backing for Ukraine.