Trump: Putin will accept Europe's troops in Ukraine after ceasefire

US president issues claim after talks with Macron over deal to end the war

- David Smith

Donald Trump said yesterday that the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a potential deal to end the three-year war.

The US president was speaking alongside the French president, Emmanuel Macron, at the White House as the leaders sought to smooth over a transatlantic rift to achieve peace.

But the meeting came as the US voted against a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, siding with countries such as North Korea, Belarus and Sudan over European allies. Democrats branded the move a disgrace .

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Macron said Europe was prepared to provide security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefi re including peacekeepers, although they would not be sent to the front line.

Trump said he saw no objection to European troops being sent to Ukraine to serve as peacemakers, adding that he had raised the idea with Putin. “Yeah, he will accept it,” the US president said. “I’ve asked him that question.

Look, if we do this deal, he’s not looking for more war. He doesn’t mind. But I’ve specifi cally asked him that question. He has no problem with it.”

Trump last week branded the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a “dictator” and falsely blamed Ukraine for starting the war, signalling a fundamental breach with Europe.

At a joint press conference in the East Room, he told reporters. “It’s time to end this bloodletting and restore peace. We’ve had some great conversations, including with Russia … Our focus is on achieving a ceasefi re as soon as possible and ultimately a lasting peace.”