U.S. President-elect Donald Trump revealed on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is eager to pursue a “deal” to end the ongoing war with Russia. The two leaders met in Paris for discussions on the future of the conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted the trilateral talks at the Élysée Palace on Saturday, amid growing concerns in Kyiv about the stance of the incoming U.S. administration.
Trump, who has previously criticized the extensive U.S. military aid to Ukraine and claimed he could end the war within 24 hours, reiterated his call for immediate negotiations.
“Zelenskyy and Ukraine want to make a deal and stop the madness,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being needlessly wasted, too many families are destroyed. If it continues, it could escalate into something much bigger and far worse.”
Biden Administration’s Response
Just hours after the meeting, the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden announced a new $988-million military aid package for Ukraine. The Pentagon detailed that the package includes drones, HIMARS rocket ammunition, and critical equipment for artillery systems, tanks, and armored vehicles.
A “Just Peace”
Zelensky emphasized that any resolution to the conflict must be fair and ensure long-term security for Ukraine.
“We all want peace,” Zelensky stated on his official website. “But it is crucial that the peace is just for all of us, and that neither Russia, President Putin, nor any other aggressor can ever return.”
He stressed the need for strong security guarantees for Ukraine and expressed gratitude to Trump for his “unwavering resolve,” describing their meeting as “good and productive.”
First Face-to-Face Meeting
The encounter marked Zelensky’s first face-to-face meeting with Trump since the latter’s U.S. election victory on November 5. The discussions preceded their attendance at the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Macron to gain insights into the potential direction of U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s leadership, set to begin in January.
The trip to Paris represents Trump’s first international visit since his election win, underscoring the high stakes of his administration’s approach to the war in Ukraine.
