On Thursday, February 27th, US President Donald Trump met with UK Prime Minister Stamer at the White House. During discussions on the topic of the conflict in Ukraine, Trump stated that negotiations for a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine were “progressing smoothly.” When asked about whether Russian President Putin would follow the agreement, Trump also provided a response.
At the Oval Office in the White House on Thursday, Trump received Stamer and said, “We need to reach an agreement first. Currently, we have not reached an agreement yet. We have Russia, we have Ukraine. I think we have made great progress; I think Russia has done very well.”
“I think we have made significant progress in the agreement, but we have not reached one yet. So, until we reach an agreement, I do not like to discuss peacekeeping (forces).” Trump said.
Stamer urged the US to provide security “backing” for any European forces involved in peacekeeping operations in Ukraine after the ongoing peace negotiations. However, Trump added that he would not discuss the details of peacekeeping until an agreement was reached.
Trump pointed out that the US government had engaged in “very good negotiations” with Russia and Ukraine. He also mentioned his belief that Putin would not invade Ukraine again after a potential agreement was reached and expressed confidence that the agreement would endure.
“I think as long as we reach an agreement, it will be an agreement.” Trump said, “If I hadn’t won the election, I don’t think we would even be talking to Putin now.”
When later asked if he trusts Putin, Trump said, “Trust but verify, that’s how we say it.”
“You know, it’s about trust and verification. Let’s just say that, I think both sides can do that. You have to verify because you never know what might happen.” He said.
Stamer thanked Trump for “changing the conversation and bringing the possibility of reaching a peace agreement for us.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky is scheduled to visit the White House on Friday and is expected to sign an agreement with Trump regarding Ukraine’s key resources. Trump stated that the agreement would serve as a backing for Ukraine.