President-elect Trump Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Ukraine Following Meeting with World Leaders in Paris

In a significant call for diplomacy, President-elect Donald Trump made an appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine during his visit to Paris. Following meetings with various world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump expressed his desire to halt the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump calls for "immediate ceasefire"

Trump took to social media to emphasize the need for a ceasefire and negotiations, describing the war as one that "should never have started, and could go on forever." The president-elect, who has been vocal about his commitment to ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stated that both Ukraine and its president are interested in reaching a resolution to "stop the madness."

The meeting marked Trump's first in-person conversation with President Zelensky since winning the presidential election. During their discussion, Trump underscored his understanding of Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to take action to bring about a resolution to the conflict.

Zelenskyy's Perspective

President Zelenskyy characterized his meeting with Trump as "good," expressing the necessity of "a just and enduring peace" for Ukraine. He emphasized that a mere ceasefire without guarantees could be easily breached, citing past experiences. Zelenskyy stressed that Putin can only be deterred by the strength of world leaders united for peace. He also called for international support to confront Putin, emphasizing that global unity and American leadership are crucial in deterring the Russian leader's ambitions.

U.S. Military Assistance to Ukraine

In connection with the ongoing conflict, the U.S. announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine, amounting to $988 million. This package encompasses drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks, and armored vehicles, as disclosed by the Pentagon. This substantial aid underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.