Trudeau and Trump Discuss Ukraine as U.S. Considers Shifting War Strategy

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about the ongoing war in Ukraine ahead of a virtual G7 meeting marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The White House readout emphasized Trump’s role in securing peace, with Trudeau reportedly agreeing. Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian officials are negotiating a potential end to the war without Ukraine’s involvement, raising concerns among Kyiv and its allies. Trump has suggested that Ukraine may need to abandon its NATO aspirations and accept Russian territorial gains as part of a settlement.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed that any peace deal must include Ukraine at the table. Beyond Ukraine, Trudeau also addressed border security, highlighting Canada’s efforts to combat fentanyl smuggling. At the CPAC conference, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Canada and Mexico over fentanyl-related issues and threatened tariffs. Additionally, Trump claimed the U.S. is close to finalizing a deal with Ukraine that would not only lead to peace talks but also grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s natural resources.

 

Trudeau and Trump Discuss Ukraine as U.S. Considers Shifting War Strategy

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday about the ongoing war in Ukraine, as concerns grow among European allies over a potential U.S. withdrawal of support for Kyiv. The conversation took place ahead of a virtual G7 meeting marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

According to a brief statement from Trudeau’s office, the two leaders discussed the conflict, while a more detailed White House readout indicated alignment on Trump’s approach to brokering peace. The White House statement emphasized Trump’s belief that the war should never have started and credited him as the only leader capable of securing a lasting resolution. Trudeau reportedly acknowledged this perspective.

Meanwhile, both Washington and Moscow have signaled progress toward arranging a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin—a shift from previous U.S. efforts to diplomatically isolate Russia. This has raised concerns among Ukraine and its European allies, particularly as reports indicate U.S. and Russian representatives are negotiating a potential end to the war without Ukrainian involvement. Some senior U.S. officials have suggested Ukraine may need to abandon its NATO aspirations and accept territorial losses to Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected any peace deal negotiated without Kyiv’s direct participation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is set to visit Washington next week for discussions on Ukraine, reaffirmed the U.K.’s unwavering support for Ukraine and emphasized that no decisions should be made without its involvement.

Following a recent call with Zelenskyy, Trudeau reiterated that any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine’s security. However, while Trudeau’s office emphasized Ukraine’s inclusion in negotiations, the White House’s statement did not mention this point.

In addition to Ukraine, Trudeau and Trump discussed border security issues, particularly fentanyl trafficking—an issue Trump has repeatedly criticized. Trudeau updated Trump on Canada’s recent efforts to combat fentanyl smuggling, including the appointment of a “Fentanyl Czar” and increased border enforcement, noting a decline in seizures.

At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Canada and Mexico over fentanyl-related concerns and reiterated his threats to impose tariffs. He also claimed that the U.S. was close to securing a deal with Ukraine, which would not only lead to peace talks but also grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s natural resources, including oil and rare earth minerals, in exchange for the $350 billion in aid provided under the Biden administration. Although Zelenskyy initially rejected a critical minerals proposal from the U.S., citing an imbalance in aid received, he later stated that his government was reviewing the deal.