Trump asserts Ukraine war could end 'within weeks' as Putin hints at willingness for peacekeepers
President Donald Trump suggests the Ukraine conflict could conclude "within weeks," citing Russian President Vladimir Putin's openness to European mediators, as international discussions intensify to secure a lasting ceasefire.
In a recent development, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the swift resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, Trump suggested that the war could conclude in a few weeks if strategic decisions are made promptly. He also indicated that Russian head of state Vladimir Putin is open to the deployment of Western international forces as part of a potential agreement.
This announcement comes amid a series of high-level discussions involving U.S., European, and Russian officials. The proposed involvement of Europe peacekeepers aims to monitor a ceasefire and ensure stability in the region. However, the specifics of such a deployment and the conditions under which it would occur remain subjects of negotiation.
How could EU-based forces influence the Ukraine conflict resolution?
During a White House briefing, Donald Trump reiterated that the Ukraine war could end rapidly with decisive action. "I think we could end it within weeks. If we're smart. If we're not smart, it'll keep going, and we'll keep losing young, beautiful people that shouldn't be dying," he stated. Speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron, he noted Vladimir Putin’s openness to continental stabilization troops overseeing a truce. However, the specifics of such a mission remain on the table.
The proposal has sparked debate. Supporters argue a neutral force could reinforce stability, while critics warn of security risks and logistical hurdles. The exclusion of Ukrainian leaders from recent discussions has also raised concerns over the nation’s role in shaping its own defense policies.
What are the latest developments in the Ukraine-Russia confrontation?
Macron has rallied Euro heads to discuss shield guarantees for Ukraine, while U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with Trump in Washington. Their talks coincide with the third anniversary of the full-scale war, marked by high-profile visits to Kyiv. Meanwhile, the UN has adopted Ukraine’s resolution condemning Russia’s invasion, with the U.S., Russia, and Belarus voting against it.
As diplomatic efforts continue, hostilities persist. Reports indicate that around 165,000 Russian troops have been killed in Ukraine, and Ukrainian drones have struck a Russian refinery in Ryazan Oblast for the third time this year. Moscow remains open to a armistice but only under terms favorable to Russia, while Zelensky has sent Trump a list detailing past ceasefires violated by Russian forces.