Donald Trump Urges Vladimir Putin to Pursue ‘Immediate’ Settlement with Ukraine | US News
Donald Trump has called on Vladimir Putin to swiftly negotiate a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stating it is the Russian president’s “time to act”.
The US president-elect shared on social media on Sunday that [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy and Ukraine are eager to make a deal and bring an end to the chaos.
He emphasized the need for “an immediate ceasefire” and declared that “negotiations should commence”.
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Speaking of his rapport with Mr. Putin, he remarked: “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can assist. The world is watching!”
During an appearance on Meet The Press on NBC News, Sky News’ US affiliate, he was questioned about whether he was actively seeking to conclude the nearly three-year conflict, to which he affirmed, “I am.”
Mr. Trump reiterated his willingness to cut US military assistance to Ukraine. When asked if the country should brace for potential reductions in US aid, he replied: “Possibly.”
Likewise, he cautioned that the US could withdraw from NATO if other member nations did not enhance their contributions, but added: “If they are meeting their obligations, and I believe they are treating us fairly, then yes, I’d absolutely remain with NATO.”
When asked whether he would contemplate removing the US from the alliance if that were not the case, he responded: “Absolutely. Yes, absolutely.”
He declined to confirm whether he had communicated with Russia’s leader since his election win in November, stating he did not wish to “do anything that could hinder the negotiation process”.
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The former president’s appeal for an immediate ceasefire extends beyond any statements made by current president Joe Biden.
This marks his most definitive attempt to address one of the globe’s significant crises prior to taking office on January 20 and stands in contrast to the Biden administration’s reluctance to push Kyiv for an immediate ceasefire.
Trump’s recent remarks followed his discussions with both the Ukrainian president and French leader Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
The trio joined other global leaders for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral after the catastrophic fire in 2019.
Mr. Zelenskyy characterized his weekend talks with Mr. Trump as “constructive,” but cautioned on Sunday through a post on the Telegram messaging platform that Ukraine requires a “just and robust peace that Russians will not undermine within a few years”.
A viable peace with Russia must be supported by “effective peace guarantees,” he stated, noting that Ukrainians “desire peace more than anyone else. Russia instigated war in our nation.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow’s long-held position that it is open to discussions with Ukraine.
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The US has been ramping up its support for Ukraine, with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announcing nearly $1 billion (£784m) in additional weaponry on Saturday.
In a separate social media post on Sunday, Mr. Zelenskyy claimed that Kyiv has experienced 43,000 military fatalities since the invasion commenced in February 2022, while around 370,000 have sustained injuries.
Western officials have indicated that the recent months of intense positional warfare in eastern Ukraine have resulted in unprecedented losses for both factions, with tens of thousands injured or killed monthly.
