Trump Calls for Immediate Ceasefire Following Meeting With Zelenskyy

Man in suit sitting near US and Ukrainian flags

Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine after meeting with Zelenskyy, urges China to help end the conflict.

At a Glance

Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Trump suggested China could help mediate the situation due to its perceived pro-Russia stance.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a “just and robust peace” with effective guarantees.
Trump appointed a special envoy to address the war, proposing a ceasefire and delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Concerns arise over Trump’s openness to reducing military aid to Ukraine and potentially pulling the U.S. out of NATO.

Trump Meets Zelenskyy, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

In a significant development, former U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, facilitated by French President Emmanuel Macron, marked a crucial step in diplomatic efforts to end the war. Trump, who has positioned himself as a dealmaker capable of swiftly resolving conflicts, called for an immediate ceasefire in the region.

Following the meeting, Trump took to social media to share his message, stating, “Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin.” Trump’s call for a ceasefire comes amid growing concerns over the escalating human and material losses in the conflict.

Trump calls for 'immediate ceasefire' in Ukraine after meeting Zelenskyy in Paris: https://t.co/VH9DQhSCAU

— KY3 News (@kytv) December 8, 2024

China’s Potential Role and NATO Concerns

In a surprising move, Trump suggested that China could play a role in mediating the situation, citing China’s perceived pro-Russia stance. “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The world is waiting!” Trump stated, highlighting the potential for a broader diplomatic approach to resolving the conflict.

“There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed.” – Donald Trump

However, Trump’s statements have raised concerns among Ukraine, NATO allies, and the U.S. national security community. The former president expressed openness to reducing military aid to Ukraine and potentially pulling the U.S. out of NATO, contingent on fair treatment and financial contributions from allies. When asked about staying with NATO, Trump responded, “If they’re paying their bills, and if I think they’re treating us fairly, the answer is absolutely I’d stay with NATO.”

Zelenskyy’s Stance and Peace Proposals

While Trump pushed for an immediate ceasefire, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a “just and robust peace” with effective guarantees. The Ukrainian president’s team stressed the crucial need for solid security assurances from Western allies before considering any ceasefire with Russia.

“We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace” – Zelenskyy

In response to the meeting, Trump appointed a special envoy, Keith Kellogg, to address the war. Kellogg’s proposed plan includes a ceasefire, delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership, and providing weapons during negotiations. The plan also outlines a comprehensive peace deal with security guarantees for Ukraine, with a potential waiting period of 10 to 25 years for NATO membership.

Humanitarian Crisis and Ongoing Conflict

As diplomatic efforts continue, the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine persists. Ukrainian children living in frontline areas have sent letters to volunteer groups expressing hopes for victory, an end to the war, and requests for holiday gifts. Meanwhile, civilians are participating in firearms training as part of a government program for national resistance.

The conflict continues to escalate, with Russian forces reportedly advancing in eastern Ukraine and capturing the village of Blahodatne. Despite these challenges, the U.S. Defense Secretary announced nearly $1 billion in additional military support to Ukraine, underscoring the complex nature of the ongoing crisis and the international community’s response.