President Donald Trump expressed hope that Russia’s war in Ukraine is nearing an endgame as he met Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron on the third anniversary of the invasion. However, the French leader cautioned that any potential agreement with Moscow must not amount to Ukraine’s surrender.

Their meeting comes at a time of uncertainty regarding the future of transatlantic relations, as Trump reshapes American foreign policy and appears to disregard European leadership in his effort to swiftly end the war.

Diplomatic Divergences

While Trump and Macron displayed a cordial rapport at the White House, their countries were at odds at the United Nations over resolutions labeling Russia as the aggressor in the conflict.

Trump stated that he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept the presence of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. "Yes, he will accept it," Trump affirmed. "I have asked him that question. If we make this deal, he is not looking for more war."

He also expressed hope that the conflict could end within weeks and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would soon travel to the United States to sign a deal granting America access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, which are essential to advanced technology.

An Economic Approach to the Conflict

Trump is pushing this economic agreement as a means of recouping part of the $180 billion in U.S. aid provided to Kyiv since the war began, much of which has been used to replenish American weapon stockpiles.

"It looks like we are very close," he said about the minerals deal before his meeting with Macron, adding that Zelenskyy might visit Washington this week or next to sign it.

Security Guarantees for Ukraine

Ukraine is seeking future security guarantees as part of any emerging agreement. However, Trump did not confirm whether the United States would provide such assurances: "Europe is going to make sure nothing happens."

At a joint press conference, Macron acknowledged that European nations must do more to strengthen defense on the continent but warned against capitulating to Russia. "This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine. It must not be a ceasefire without guarantees. This peace must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty," Macron insisted.

Having cut off direct communication with Putin following the atrocities committed in Bucha, Macron indicated that he saw an opportunity in the new Trump administration to achieve diplomatic progress.

Transatlantic Relations Under Strain

The war’s anniversary and the discussions in Washington come as Europe watches with concern the dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump.

Beyond access to Ukraine’s rare minerals, Trump has made territorial demands involving Greenland, Canada, Gaza, and the Panama Canal. Just over a month into his second term, he is upending the traditional international order long stabilized by the United States.

Ian Kelly, a former U.S. ambassador to Georgia, believes this policy undermines decades of American commitments to counter international aggression: "Eighty years of policy in standing up against aggressors are being dismantled without reflection."

Meetings with Other European Leaders

Trump is set to meet with another key European leader, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on Thursday.

The former president has criticized Zelenskyy for his reluctance to negotiate and for initially rejecting the economic deal with the United States. Zelenskyy had expressed concerns about the lack of security guarantees. However, on Sunday, he stated on X (formerly Twitter) that "significant progress" had been made.

In return, Trump called Zelenskyy a "dictator" and falsely accused Kyiv of starting the war. When asked whether he also considered Putin a dictator, Trump dodged the question.

Persistent Differences Among Allies

While Trump and Macron engaged in discussions in Washington, the United States refused to support a UN resolution attributing responsibility for the war to Russia, putting it at odds with its European allies.

Before their meeting, Macron warned Trump that showing weakness toward Putin would also undermine U.S. credibility in dealings with China.

Despite these tensions, Trump suggested that he wanted Russia to rejoin the G7, stating, "I really believe he wants to make a deal. I may be wrong, but that’s my belief."