Macron "Considering Deployment of European Troops to Ukraine"... Trump "No Problem"

Deployment of Peacekeeping Forces in Ukraine, Putin Likely to Accept
Trump: "Zelensky Expected to Visit Washington This or Next Week for Mineral Agreement"
Macron: "Ukraine Must Participate in Russia-Ukraine Peace Negotiations"

U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron held a summit on the 24th (local time) and agreed on the deployment of European peacekeeping forces to ensure Ukraine's security.

AFP Yonhap News

Before starting the meeting at the White House office in Washington DC, President Macron said, "Our common goal is to build a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine," adding, "We are ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine."

Macron specifically explained that the deployment of European peacekeeping forces is also being considered. He said, "We are ready to send troops to ensure that peace is respected," and added that "(the troop deployment) is not at the front line but to implement the peace agreement," hoping for strong U.S. involvement to guarantee this.

In response, President Trump said, "I see no problem with deploying European peacekeeping forces to Ukraine," and that Russian President Vladimir Putin would "accept this."

President Trump emphasized the need for an early end to the war, saying, "World War III must not happen," and added, "If we are wise, I think the war will end within weeks." This showed the U.S.'s agreement with the deployment of peacekeeping forces, which has emerged as a key requirement for Ukraine's security guarantees.

Trump revealed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may visit Washington as early as this week to sign a mineral agreement. Regarding the 'mineral agreement' with Ukraine, President Trump said, "I am scheduled to meet with (Volodymyr) Zelensky," and "President Zelensky is expected to come (to the U.S.) this week or next week to sign the agreement." Trump had previously proposed a peace plan exchanging Ukrainian rare earths for security guarantees.

He added that the U.S. is "close to a final agreement" to acquire stakes in Ukrainian resources such as rare earths, saying, "It will require approval from the Ukrainian parliament, but I am confident it will be achieved."

Regarding a meeting with Russian President Putin, he said, "I am willing to visit Moscow at an appropriate time," but commented that visiting on May 9, Russia's Victory Day, "seems a bit early." President Trump also stated, "We are working on economic development cooperation with Russia."

President Macron called for strengthening defense in preparation for the possibility of Russian territorial aggression. At the summit, Macron emphasized that Europe must secure "a credible deterrent" to no longer face Russian aggression, saying, "Europe is ready to be a stronger partner and ready to do more in terms of defense." This is interpreted as indicating an increase in defense spending.

He also made it clear that Ukraine, as a party to the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, should not be excluded. Macron stressed that Ukraine "must participate" in the peace negotiation talks. The summit took place amid President Trump's overt pro-Russian stance, excluding Europe and Ukraine from the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations.

After the meeting, Presidents Trump and Macron are scheduled to hold a joint press conference to disclose the details discussed that day.