Trump Announces Putin’s Approval for Peacekeepers in Ukraine, Pushes Rare Earth Minerals Deal
February 24, 2025
In a surprising turn of events, United States President Donald Trump marked the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine with a social media post announcing “major” economic deals in the works with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The announcement came during a high-profile meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, where the two leaders discussed Ukraine, European security, and the future of US-France relations.
Putin’s Approval for Peacekeepers in Ukraine
President Trump revealed that Putin has given his approval for European peacekeepers to enter Ukraine once a peace deal is reached. This development could signal a potential shift in the ongoing conflict, which has devastated the region for three years. However, Macron clarified that any European peacekeeping forces “would not be on the front lines” but would instead focus on maintaining a ceasefire.
“They would not be part of any conflict,” Macron emphasized during a joint press conference with Trump. The French president also praised Ukraine for defending Europe’s “collective security,” underscoring the importance of international cooperation in resolving the crisis.
Trump’s Push for Rare Earth Minerals Deal
In addition to discussing peacekeeping efforts, Trump reiterated his push for Ukraine to grant the US access to its rare earth minerals in exchange for security aid. Rare earth minerals are critical for manufacturing advanced technologies, including electronics and renewable energy systems. Trump framed the proposed deal as a win-win for both nations, while Macron expressed support for an agreement involving “very strong American involvement.”
This proposal has sparked debate, with critics questioning the ethical implications of tying security aid to resource extraction. However, the Trump administration has defended the move as a strategic effort to secure vital resources for the US economy.
White House Declares Victory Over The Associated Press
In a separate development, the Trump administration celebrated a court decision denying The Associated Press (AP) a temporary injunction to rejoin the White House press pool. The administration had barred the news agency over its refusal to change the name “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America” in its reporting.
The White House framed the ruling as a victory, stating, “As we have said from the beginning, asking the President of the United States questions in the Oval Office and aboard Air Force One is a privilege granted to journalists, not a legal right.” The administration also accused the AP of spreading “lies” and reiterated its commitment to holding the media accountable.
The AP, however, has defended its editorial choices, arguing that its style guidelines are designed for an international audience. The news agency has also raised concerns about the administration’s attempt to leverage media access over word choice, calling it a violation of free speech rights.
Federal Workers Told to Ignore Musk’s Email Demand
In another headline-making move, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) instructed federal employees to disregard an email from Elon Musk demanding they summarize their achievements from the previous week. Musk, a Trump ally tasked with overhauling the federal government, had threatened to fire employees who failed to comply by the Monday night deadline.
The OPM’s announcement marked a rare public break between the Trump administration and Musk, who has been leading efforts to downsize the federal government. Despite the OPM’s guidance, Musk doubled down on his demand, warning on social media that noncompliance would result in job loss.
Looking Ahead
As President Trump’s second term continues, his administration’s approach to foreign policy, media relations, and government reform remains as controversial as ever. The announcement of potential peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine offers a glimmer of hope for resolving the conflict, but questions linger about the broader implications of Trump’s proposed deals with Russia and Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the administration’s ongoing battles with the media and its handling of federal employees underscore the challenges of balancing transparency, accountability, and free speech in a deeply polarized political climate.
Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop.
