Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming they "haven't done anything" to end the war in Ukraine. His remarks come ahead of their scheduled visits to the White House next week.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump also dismissed Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky’s role in peace negotiations, stating that he has "no cards" to negotiate with Russia. However, Trump maintained a mixed stance, referring to Macron as a "friend" and calling Starmer "a very nice guy."
European leaders recently convened a crisis summit in Paris to discuss the situation in Ukraine, while U.S.-Russia talks took place in Saudi Arabia. Concerns are growing that Ukraine and European nations may be excluded from key peace negotiations.
Despite ongoing Western support for Ukraine, Trump criticized Zelensky, blaming him for failing to prevent the war. He insisted that Russia could have been "talked out" of the invasion and claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin "doesn't have to make a deal" to end the conflict.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance defended Trump’s stance, rejecting accusations of "appeasement." He argued that peace negotiations are necessary since Ukraine lacks a "credible pathway to victory."
As discussions on ending the war continue, reports indicate that the U.S. is pressing Ukraine to sign a deal granting American companies rights to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. Trump suggested this would help Ukraine "repay" the U.S. for its military support, asserting that negotiations on the deal are progressing.
Ukrainian officials have expressed openness to cooperating with the U.S. on mineral investments, though Zelensky has previously rejected the proposal, insisting that Ukraine "cannot sell our state." White House Security Adviser Mike Waltz, however, suggested that Zelensky is expected to sign the agreement soon.
The visits of Macron and Starmer to Washington next week are likely to further shape discussions on Ukraine’s future and the broader geopolitical response to the conflict.