Return to the world stage
Trump starts talks on Ukraine war before swearing in
Donald Trump will only be sworn in as US President in six weeks. But he is already tackling the issue of Ukraine. And when he visits Paris, Trump is courted as if he were already in office.
Around six weeks before his inauguration, US President-elect Donald Trump began discussions about the future of Ukraine. Trump returned to the world stage with a visit to Paris and met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Élysée Palace to discuss the fate of the country attacked by Russia. He then called for a ceasefire in the conflict and directly called on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to take action.
Trump will be sworn in as the new US President on January 20th. The visit to France – to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral – was his first trip abroad since winning the election. Macron received him in Paris with some of the pomp that is otherwise reserved for incumbent heads of state and government. Trump and Macron initially sat down together in the Élysée Palace, before Zelenskyj later joined them. Zelenskyj described the three-way meeting – which had not previously been officially announced – as productive and good.
After the conversation, Trump called for an end to the fighting between Ukraine and Russia. “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin,” the Republican wrote on the Truth Social platform. Russia is in a “weakened state” due to heavy losses in Ukraine. Zelensky and Ukraine also wanted an agreement to stop the “madness.” “I know Vladimir well,” Trump wrote, referring to the Kremlin chief. “Now is his time to act.” China could help with this, he added – alluding to the close alliances between Beijing and Moscow. “The world is waiting!”
Trump regularly boasts about his good contacts with Putin. During the presidential election campaign, he repeatedly claimed that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, if possible before he took office. He didn’t say how.
There is great fear in Ukraine that Trump, after being sworn in, could drastically reduce US military aid to the country attacked by Russia, thus causing a defeat for Kiev. The USA is still Ukraine’s most important supporter and largest arms supplier. There are also fears in many EU states that Trump could enforce an unbalanced ceasefire agreement that could effectively make Russia and Putin appear to be the victors of the war of aggression.
Zelensky: Putin fears America
After meeting Trump on Platform X, the Ukrainian president wrote that his country needed a secure and stable peace that would not allow Russia to attack again. “Effective guarantees” are necessary for this. Ukrainians wanted peace more than anyone. But the war cannot simply be ended with a piece of paper and a few signatures, he warned. A ceasefire without guarantees could be canceled at any time. Putin can only be stopped through strength. “The only thing he fears is America and global unity.”
The Russian government reacted cautiously. “President Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia is open to negotiations over Ukraine and welcomes peace initiatives,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. China, India, Brazil and South Africa, as well as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have made suggestions. Russia has repeatedly stated the conditions for an end to the hostilities. However, Zelensky must revoke his own decree that prohibits any negotiations with Russia.
New military package from the Biden administration
At the same time, the government of outgoing US President Joe Biden announced a new, huge package of military equipment for Ukraine – worth around 988 million US dollars (around 935 million euros). Biden’s team is trying to send all the funds already approved by Congress to Kiev shortly before the change of power in Washington, before Trump is expected to take a new course towards Ukraine in January.
Others are also preparing for Trump’s early return to power. The French President rolled out the red carpet for the Republican in Paris and received him with some pomp at his official residence. This is unusual for a meeting with a colleague who is not yet in office.
During Trump’s first term in office, Macron made a noticeable effort to maintain a good relationship with the Republican – despite all their political differences. Even after his re-election, Macron is now at the forefront when it comes to getting along well with Trump. There is also a lot at stake for Europeans as a result of Trump’s return to power: for example in trade or climate protection.
The Notre Dame celebrations
On Saturday evening, Macron and Trump – as well as Zelensky and various other heads of state and government – took part in the ceremonial reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Biden wasn’t there, but his wife Jill was instead.
Trump also met in Paris with the heir to the British throne, Prince William, who also came along with representatives of other royal families. The future US president, who is said to have a fascination for protocol pomp and royal splendor, visibly felt comfortable back in the spotlight.
dpa
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
