Trump Calls for Immediate Ceasefire, Asks China for Help

Donald Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris signals a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy towards the conflict.

At a Glance

Trump urges immediate ceasefire and negotiations in Ukraine after meeting Zelenskyy.
Former president suggests China could help mediate the situation.
Trump expresses openness to reducing military aid to Ukraine and potentially altering U.S. NATO participation.
Zelenskyy emphasizes need for “just and robust peace” with effective guarantees.
Trump appoints special envoy to address the war, proposing ceasefire and delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Trump Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

In a significant development, former President Donald Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris. The talks, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, were described as constructive by Zelenskyy, though specific details were not disclosed.

Trump’s stance on the conflict appears to prioritize a swift resolution, even if it means potentially reducing U.S. military support to Ukraine. He shared his message on Truth Social, stating, “Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin.”

China’s Potential Role and NATO Concerns

In a surprising move, Trump suggested that China could play a role in mediating the situation, citing China’s perceived pro-Russia stance. He stated, “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The world is waiting!” This approach has raised eyebrows among foreign policy experts, given the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

Trump’s comments about potentially reducing U.S. involvement in NATO have caused concern among allies and the U.S. national security community. He stated that U.S. participation in NATO would be contingent on fair treatment and financial contributions from allies, saying, “If they’re paying their bills, and if I think they’re treating us fairly, the answer is absolutely I’d stay with NATO.”

Zelenskyy’s Stance and Security Guarantees

President Zelenskyy, while open to discussions, emphasized the need for a “just and robust peace” with effective guarantees. The Ukrainian leader remains cautious about any ceasefire that doesn’t include strong security assurances from the West. Zelenskyy shared insights on the toll of the war, stating that 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and 370,000 wounded since the start of the Russian invasion.

“We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace” – Zelenskyy

The meeting comes at a critical time as Russian forces continue their advance in eastern Ukraine, recently capturing the village of Blahodatne. Meanwhile, civilians in Ukraine are participating in firearms training as part of a government program for national resistance, underscoring the ongoing threat to Ukrainian sovereignty.

Trump’s Peace Plan and Special Envoy

In a notable development, Trump has appointed a special envoy, Keith Kellogg, to address the war. Kellogg’s proposed plan includes a ceasefire, delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership, and providing weapons during negotiations. The waiting period for Ukraine’s NATO membership could potentially last 10 to 25 years under this plan.

Trump’s approach to resolving the conflict quickly has been a cornerstone of his foreign policy stance. He has portrayed himself as capable of making fast deals to resolve conflicts, stating, “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed.”

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely to see how these proposed changes in U.S. foreign policy might impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.