President Donald Trump remarked in private comments to French President Emmanuel Macron that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin "wants to make a deal" with Ukraine for peace. This came to light during a private conversation between the two leaders, during which Trump’s remarks were captured on a hot mic. Trump described his belief as ‘crazy,’ indicating his own surprise at the idea of Putin seeking a peace deal with Ukraine. This exchange took place during a high-profile meeting with European leaders, where Trump outlined his strategy for brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump discussed the need for security guarantees for Ukraine, which would be provided by European countries in coordination with the United States. The discussions also highlighted the role of Trump’s administration in facilitating this potential peace deal, with Trump emphasizing his unique relationship with Putin. European leaders, including Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, were present at the White House for these discussions. Trump’s comments were later discussed by Macron on NBC News, where he praised Trump’s confidence in brokering a peace deal. Trump’s approach to the conflict with Russia and Ukraine has been a key part of his campaign trail pledge to end the war that began under his predecessor’s tenure. Following the conversation with Macron, Trump called Putin and arranged for a direct meeting between him and Zelenskyy. He expressed hope that this meeting would pave the way for a broader trilateral negotiation involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy. Trump’s remarks underscore his belief in his ability to bring about peace, despite the complexity and intensity of the ongoing conflict. The discussions also touched on the possibility of a land swap deal, which could be a significant component of the peace negotiations. Trump’s comments highlight his confidence in his ability to negotiate with Putin, a position that has been a key part of his campaign and foreign policy approach. The potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy represents a significant step toward ending the conflict, which has been ongoing for nearly three years. Trump’s approach to the conflict has been marked by his belief in his unique ability to broker peace, a stance that has been supported by some European leaders who have acknowledged the progress made under his leadership. The discussions also include the possibility of NATO-like protections for Ukraine, indicating a shift in European policy towards providing a more robust security framework. Trump’s strategy has been to use his relationship with Putin to facilitate negotiations, a move that has been met with both support and skepticism. The potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy could be a critical moment in the ongoing peace process, with Trump emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue between the two leaders.