US President-elect Donald Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, saying he is actively working to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. In a television interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the US out of NATO.
Trump’s proposal, which was framed as a direct appeal to Russia, drew a cautious response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy described his discussions with Trump on Saturday as “constructive” but gave no further details.
Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine needs a “just and robust peace, that Russians will not destroy within a few years.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by repeating Moscow’s message that it is open to talks with Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy had previously declared talks with Russia impossible as long as Putin was Russia’s leader.
Trump’s comments have been met with criticism from some officials and experts, who say there is no quick fix to ending the war in Ukraine. Former national security adviser H.R. McMaster warned that Trump’s proposal is “flawed” and that peace can only be achieved through strength.
The Biden administration has pointed to Russia’s disengagement in Syria as evidence of the way the US was able to pressure Russia into pulling out of certain regions. However, Ukraine’s allies fear a quick deal would be largely on the terms of its more powerful neighbor, potentially forcing damaging concessions on Ukraine and allowing Russia to resume the war again once it has built back up its military strength.
The US withdrawal from NATO is also being considered by Trump, who expressed openness to pulling out of the alliance if European countries are not paying their fair share. The Biden administration has pointed out that a majority of NATO member countries are now meeting voluntary targets for military spending, and that continued US participation in the alliance is seen as vital to maintaining stability in Europe.
Trump’s comments on Ukraine have sparked concern among Democrats and some Republicans who fear that his willingness to cut aid and withdraw from NATO could embolden Russia and weaken the West.
Source: https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/12/08/trump-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-ukraine-after-meeting-with-zelenskyy/76850060007