Trump says Putin has ‘no problem’ with European peacekeepers in Ukraine

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to the idea of European peacekeepers being deployed in Ukraine as part of a ceasefire agreement, Reuters reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron also confirmed that Europe is prepared to support such a plan.

The announcement followed a video conference with G7 leaders marking the third anniversary of the war. Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, said he directly asked Putin about the proposal. "Yeah, he will accept that. He has no problem with it," Trump said.

Macron, the first European leader to visit Trump since his return to power, emphasised Europe’s role in ensuring a long-term settlement. 

"We are ready and willing to provide security guarantees, which could perhaps include troops, but they would be there to maintain peace," he explained. 

He stressed that any European forces would not engage in combat but would ensure compliance with the agreement.

Meanwhile, Trump indicated that the US is “very close” to finalising a minerals deal with Ukraine. He suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy could visit the White House in the coming days to sign the agreement. Trump also mentioned plans for a future meeting with Putin.

Trump’s administration is negotiating a minerals revenue-sharing deal with Ukraine, seeking to recover some of the funds provided by the Biden administration for military aid. 

However, Zelenskiy recently rejected US demands for $500 billion worth of mineral wealth, arguing that the sum far exceeds what Ukraine has received and lacks security guarantees.

Asked whether Ukraine should consider ceding territory to Russia as part of a settlement, Trump remained non-committal, saying, "Well, we're going to see."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to meet Trump later in the week, as European leaders express concern over his evolving stance on Ukraine. 

Both Macron and Starmer are keen to ensure Trump does not rush into a ceasefire deal with Putin that could weaken Ukraine’s position and embolden adversaries such as China and Iran.