Trump Advocates for Cease-Fire in Ukraine Conflict
On Sunday, Donald Trump urged for an immediate cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He emphasized his willingness to consider a U.S. withdrawal from NATO if he were to assume the presidency again.
His call for a cease-fire came after a weekend summit in Paris with leaders from France and Ukraine. Trump took to social media to assert that Ukraine is eager for negotiations to end a war that has now dragged on for over 1,000 days. The Kremlin indicated its readiness for dialogue, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the necessity of a peace agreement that guarantees lasting stability.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump lamented the significant casualties on both sides, declaring that the conflict “should never have started.”
“We need an immediate cease-fire, and negotiations must begin without delay. Too many lives are being lost unnecessarily, and families are enduring immense suffering,” Trump urged, appealing directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin to help halt the violence.
Trump’s remarks followed a productive meeting on Saturday with Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, which Zelenskyy characterized as “constructive.”
On Sunday, Zelenskyy used the Telegram messaging app to highlight the need for a “just and robust peace” that would withstand future threats from Russia.
“When negotiating peace with Russia, we must prioritize effective peace guarantees. Ukrainians desire peace more than anyone; the conflict was imposed upon us by Russia,” Zelenskyy pointed out.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s longstanding position of being open to discussions with Ukraine, referencing a decree from Zelenskyy in October 2022 that stated any negotiations were impossible while Putin remains in power.
This decree was issued following Putin’s announcement of the annexation of four occupied regions in Ukraine, a move deemed a flagrant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty by Kyiv and its Western allies, despite Russia not fully controlling those areas.
Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has insisted that a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from recognized Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, is a non-negotiable condition for any peace talks.
In a separate social media update, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine has faced 43,000 military fatalities since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, with injuries reported at around 370,000.
Both sides have been reluctant to disclose official casualty statistics. Western officials have indicated that the recent months of intense positional warfare in eastern Ukraine have resulted in unprecedented losses for both sides, with tens of thousands reported killed or injured each month.
Previously, Trump has shown a desire for a quick cease-fire in Ukraine. His more urgent proposal on Sunday received immediate reactions from both Ukraine and Russia, reflecting the seriousness with which they regard the incoming American president’s position.
The Biden administration and Ukraine’s supporters have been cautious not to pressure Ukraine into a hasty cease-fire, as there are concerns that it could lead to concessions benefiting Russia, allowing it to recuperate and potentially resume military actions later on.
In a separate interview aired on NBC News on Sunday, Trump reiterated his warning to NATO allies that he does not regard ongoing U.S. participation in the military alliance as guaranteed during a potential second term.
He has consistently criticized European and Canadian governments for their reliance on U.S. military spending as the dominant force within NATO. NATO officials have noted that many member countries are now meeting voluntary military spending targets, partly due to pressure from Trump during his previous term.
When asked in the interview if he would consider a U.S. withdrawal from NATO, Trump indicated that such a possibility is on the table.
“If they’re paying their fair share and treating us fairly, I would absolutely remain with NATO,” he said during “Meet the Press.”
However, he added that if those conditions are not met, he would consider withdrawing the U.S. from the alliance, affirming, “Absolutely. Yes, absolutely.”
