Trump Meets Zelensky, Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Ukraine War

Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, pressured Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 8th (local time) to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Currently visiting France, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, which he founded, pointing out the connection between the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria and the Russia-Ukraine war, urging an end to the conflict.

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Trump wrote, "Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, who was the protector of Assad, no longer cared to protect him," adding, "They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine."

He described the Russia-Ukraine war as "a war that should never have started and could last forever," noting that "about 600,000 Russian soldiers have been wounded or killed" there.

Trump stated, "Zelensky and Ukraine want to stop this madness through negotiations," adding, "They have lost an absurd 400,000 soldiers and even more civilians."

He continued, "An immediate ceasefire must be achieved and negotiations must begin," expressing concern that "too many lives are being wasted unnecessarily, too many families are being destroyed, and if this continues, it could turn into a much bigger, much worse situation."

He urged Russian President Putin's decision, saying, "I know Vladimir well. Now is the time for him to act."

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Trump also called on Russia's ally China, saying, "China can help. The world is waiting," demanding that China persuade Russia.

The day before, Trump held a surprise meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris for the first time since his election. The two leaders, visiting France to attend the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, met for about 30 minutes arranged by French President Emmanuel Macron.

After the meeting, President Zelensky wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "We talked about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace," adding, "We want this war to end as soon as possible and in a rightful manner."

He also expressed hope that the United States would exert influence on Russia to bring an end to the war.

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