Trump Criticizes Macron, Starmer, and Zelensky Ahead of White House Visits
BBC reports that former US President Donald Trump has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying they have “done nothing” to stop the war in Ukraine.
Trump made these remarks in an interview with Fox News ahead of their visits to the White House next week.
According to BBC, Trump also dismissed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that he has “no power” in negotiations and is not important for peace talks.
BBC highlights that Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, had a different view. Unlike Trump, Kellogg said he had “positive” discussions with Zelensky and even praised him as a “brave leader.”
This contrast in opinions shows a divide in how Trump’s team views Ukraine’s role in the war, as BBC explains.
Meanwhile, BBC reports that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed his willingness to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a security agreement. This shows that while Trump questions Zelensky’s role, European leaders continue to support Ukraine actively. BBC reminds readers that European leaders have ruled out negotiating with Russia but have been meeting regularly to discuss the war, including at an emergency summit in Paris.
Trump, as BBC explains, insists that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine cannot happen without him. In his Fox interview, he blamed Zelensky for the war and claimed that Russia could have been “talked out” of invading if Ukraine had handled things differently.
According to BBC, Trump also made controversial remarks, saying he is “tired” of watching Zelensky lead a country that is being destroyed.
Despite his criticism, BBC notes that Trump did have some positive words for Macron and Starmer. He called Macron a “friend” and described Starmer as “a very nice guy.” Macron is scheduled to visit Washington on Monday, while Starmer will arrive on Friday.
BBC reports that the US is also negotiating a deal for Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which Trump sees as a way for Ukraine to repay the US for its military aid.
BBC states that Ukraine has suggested changes to the deal, and discussions are ongoing. According to White House Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Zelensky is expected to sign the agreement, despite his earlier opposition.
BBC also highlights that US Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s approach, saying that pushing Ukraine to negotiate peace is not “appeasement” because Ukraine has no realistic chance of defeating Russia. This statement aligns with Trump’s belief that Ukraine must accept a deal instead of continuing the war, as BBC reports.
With European leaders visiting Washington soon, BBC suggests that Macron and Starmer may try to convince Trump that they still have an important role in Ukraine’s future.
However, BBC’s coverage makes it clear that Trump sees things differently and believes that only he can negotiate an end to the war.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g0mlm7zdlo