WWIII warning as Trump says there could be 'a very big war' without Ukraine-Russia deal

US President Donald Trump has warned of the risk of World War III if a peace deal is not reached between Russia and Ukraine.

Speaking on Monday, February 24, Trump expressed concern that the war could escalate beyond its current participants.

He said: "There will be a point where it is not going to stop at those two countries.

"Already there is such involvement from other countries and it could really lead to a very big war, World War III, and we are not gonna let that happen either."

His comments come as European leaders grow increasingly worried about Trump's stance on Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron became the first European leader to visit Trump’s White House since his re-election. He arrived on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Macron aimed to reinforce European unity and counter Trump's potential shift in US policy toward Russia.

Trump’s remarks also coincide with reports of his ongoing discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump's own social media platform, he claimed to be making significant progress in negotiations with Putin, not only regarding an end to the war but also in forging economic agreements between the US and Russia.

"I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the end of the war and also major economic development transactions which will take place between the US and Russia. Talks are proceeding very well!" Trump wrote.

There has been a growing divide between Europe and the US over Ukraine policy.

A tense handshake was spotted between the two leaders, signalling an underlying struggle for diplomatic dominance.

At the same time, Macron was seen grimacing during Trump's incorrect assertion that European support for Ukraine came in the form of loans rather than direct aid.

Trump also claimed that Putin had no objections to European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, though European leaders remain sceptical.

His administration’s approach has sharply deviated from that of President Joe Biden, who worked to isolate Moscow and maintain strong transatlantic unity against Russian aggression.

Trump’s outreach to Putin, including a reported 90-minute phone call earlier this month, suggests a dramatic shift in diplomatic priorities.

The US position on Ukraine has further unsettled European leaders, particularly as Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and suggested that Ukraine bears responsibility for starting the war.

Zelensky has also reportedly resisted a Trump-backed deal that would grant the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits, resources critical for modern technology and defence industries.

Macron is not the only European leader seeking to influence Trump’s Ukraine policy.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit the White House later this week, following his announcement of fresh sanctions on Moscow and his assertion that economic pressure must be maintained to force Putin into meaningful concessions.

Meanwhile, at the United Nations, the diplomatic divide was on display as the US put forward a resolution calling for an end to the war, noticeably omitting mention of Russian aggression, while European nations backed a Ukrainian resolution demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops.

With Russian officials already preparing for a potential Trump-Putin summit, European leaders worry that a peace deal brokered by Trump could heavily favour Russia.