theglobalsun – U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Claiming they “haven’t done anything” to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. His remarks came ahead of their scheduled visits to the White House next week.
Trump also downplayed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s role in peace negotiations, stating that Zelensky “has no cards” to influence discussions. “I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK, France, and other European allies have provided Kyiv with military aid and financial support. Despite his criticism, Trump acknowledged his positive relations with both leaders. Calling Macron a “friend” and referring to Starmer as a “very nice guy.”
European Leaders Respond to U.S. Approach to Ukraine
Trump’s comments come as European leaders scramble to ensure their involvement in future Ukraine peace negotiations. On Monday, European officials held an urgent summit in Paris—just a day before U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia—amid concerns that Europe and Ukraine could be sidelined from discussions on ending the war.
Macron is set to visit Washington on Monday, with Starmer following on Thursday. Earlier this week, the British prime minister stated that he was “ready and willing” to deploy UK troops to Ukraine to help secure a long-term peace agreement.
The BBC has reached out to the UK prime minister’s office for a response to Trump’s remarks. The ongoing diplomatic engagements between the U.S. and European leaders will likely shape the next phase of Ukraine’s war strategy and post-war security framework.
European Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine
While European leaders have ruled out direct negotiations with Russia. They continue to meet regularly to coordinate their response to the war in Ukraine. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union—along with allies such as Australia, Canada, and Japan—have imposed over 20,000 sanctions on Moscow.
In addition to economic measures, many European nations have signed agreements pledging continued military and financial aid to Ukraine. In January, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reinforced Britain’s commitment by signing a “landmark” security pact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “We are with you not just today, for this year or the next—but for 100 years—long after this terrible war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again,” Starmer told Zelensky during their meeting.
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Trump’s Stance on Peace Talks and Zelensky’s Role
Former U.S. President Donald Trump remains vocal about his views on the war. Speaking on Friday, he suggested that peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would not move forward without his direct involvement. Trump criticized Zelensky’s leadership. Claiming that he has been negotiating “with no cards” while Ukraine’s cities face destruction and its military suffers heavy losses.
“I’ve been watching this man for years now as his cities get demolished, as his people get killed, as his soldiers get decimated,” Trump said. “You just get sick of it, and I’ve had it.”
Despite Trump’s criticism, his Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, recently met with Zelensky in Kyiv and described their discussions as “extensive and positive.” Kellogg also praised the Ukrainian president as a “courageous leader,” contrasting sharply with Trump’s recent remarks in which he referred to Zelensky as a “dictator.”
In recent days, Zelensky has also held phone calls with several global leaders who have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Ukraine remains involved in all peace negotiations. The diplomatic engagements continue as Ukraine and its allies seek a long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Trump Blames Zelensky for War, Suggests Russia Wanted Peace
After a week of sharp criticism, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he would “of course” take a call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, he continued to blame Zelensky for failing to prevent the war. Claiming that Russia could have been “talked out” of invading Ukraine. Analysts suggest Trump’s rhetoric aligns more closely with Moscow’s narrative than Washington’s.
Trump also commented on Ukraine’s exclusion from recent peace talks in Saudi Arabia. Arguing that Russia “found it impossible to make a deal with Zelensky.” He claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin was open to negotiations but had no need to compromise. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s approach, dismissing accusations of “appeasement” by stating, “It is ‘appeasement’ only if you think the Ukrainians have a credible pathway to victory. They don’t, so it’s not.”
U.S.-Ukraine Rare Earth Deal Gains Momentum
As tensions over Ukraine’s future continue, Kyiv and Washington appear to be moving toward a strategic agreement granting the U.S. rights to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits. Trump framed the deal as a way for Ukraine to “repay” the U.S. for its past military support. “We’re pretty close to signing the deal,” Trump told reporters on Friday, adding that the agreement would allow the U.S. to “get our money back.”
Zelensky acknowledged ongoing negotiations, confirming that Ukrainian and U.S. teams were working on a draft agreement. However, he stressed the importance of finalizing fair terms, stating, “What matters most is getting the details right.” Earlier, he had rejected an initial U.S. proposal, insisting, “I cannot sell our state.”
Despite Zelensky’s concerns, White House Security Advisor Mike Waltz asserted on Friday that the Ukrainian president was “going to sign that deal.” The agreement, if finalized, could reshape U.S.-Ukraine relations and strengthen Washington’s access to critical minerals vital for technology and defense industries
