Former President Donald Trump is making waves with his approach to the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the urgent need for a peace deal while warning of potential global consequences if the conflict continues.
Speaking on Monday, Trump stressed that without an agreement, the situation could escalate into a worldwide crisis.
“There will be a point where it is not going to stop at those two countries,” he cautioned, suggesting that increasing international involvement could trigger World War III.
“Already there is such involvement from other countries, and it could really lead to a very big war, World War III, and we are not gonna let that happen either.”
Macron’s Visit and Growing European Concerns
Trump’s remarks coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the White House, marking three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Macron became the first European leader to meet with Trump in Washington during this new phase of diplomatic negotiations.
However, European leaders fear Trump is attempting to pressure Ukraine into a deal that could favor Russia.
Those concerns heightened after Trump revealed that he had been in active discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“At the same time, I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the ending of the war and also major economic development transactions which will take place between the United States and Russia,” Trump shared on Truth Social after joining a G7 conference call. “Talks are proceeding very well!”
Trump’s Relationship with Putin Raises Eyebrows
The former president’s diplomatic stance signals a shift from the previous administration, which sought to isolate Moscow.
Instead, Trump appears to be moving towards a more cooperative relationship with Putin, raising concerns among European allies that the U.S. might be prioritizing economic interests over Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The tension was evident in Trump’s interactions with Macron.
While they exchanged warm smiles for the cameras, Macron held Trump’s hand in a firm grip for a full 10 seconds—a subtle power play reminiscent of their tense handshake in 2017.
Later, during their meeting in the Oval Office, Macron grimaced when Trump incorrectly claimed that European aid to Ukraine was structured as loans rather than outright assistance.
“Europe is willing to step up to be a stronger partner, to do more on defense and security on this continent, as well as to be a reliable partner,” Macron stated, signaling Europe’s commitment to Ukraine despite Trump’s shifting stance.
European Leaders Push Back
Adding to the diplomatic pressure, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit the White House later this week.
Before his trip, Starmer imposed new sanctions on Moscow and addressed Ukraine’s allies, stressing the need for sustained economic pressure on Putin.
“We must keep dialing up the economic pressure to get Putin to a point where he is ready not just to talk, but to make concessions,” he said.
European leaders, including Macron and Starmer, have also hinted at a willingness to increase military support for Ukraine and establish a European-led security force to oversee any potential peace deal.
Their efforts contrast sharply with Trump’s narrative, which has at times criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and even suggested that Ukraine, not Russia, initiated the conflict.
U.S. and Ukraine at Odds Over Strategic Resources
Another point of contention between Trump and Ukraine revolves around access to the country’s rare earth minerals—resources crucial for mobile phones and emerging technologies.
Trump reportedly offered a deal granting the U.S. access to these deposits, but Zelensky declined.
The rejection has further strained relations between the two leaders, though Trump remains confident that Ukraine will eventually accept the proposal.
The Global Stage: UN Divisions and the Road Ahead
The growing divide between the U.S. and Europe was evident at the United Nations on Monday, where two competing resolutions were up for a vote.
Ukraine’s resolution, backed by European nations, demanded the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory.
Meanwhile, the U.S. resolution called for a swift end to the war but notably omitted any mention of Russian aggression.
As Trump continues his diplomatic efforts, European leaders remain wary of his next moves.
While some believe his approach could bring an end to the conflict, others fear it may result in concessions that favor Russia and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
What’s Next?
With European leaders stepping up their diplomatic and military commitments to Ukraine, all eyes are on Trump’s negotiations with Putin.
Will his push for peace lead to a breakthrough, or will it create further tensions between the U.S. and its allies?
As diplomatic maneuvers continue, the stakes remain high for Ukraine and the broader global order.