On Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump asked for a quick end to the fighting between Ukraine and Russia, calling for an “immediate ceasefire.”
This message came hours after Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, reported The Hill. Trump was in Paris to celebrate the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.
In his message shared on Truth Social, Trump said, “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse.”
He also noted that Zelensky wants to reach an agreement to end the conflict, as they “have ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians.”
Trump emphasized that lives are being lost for no reason and that it’s important to start talking about peace, adding that he believes that now could be a good time for Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a move, and he mentioned that China could help with the situation.
“I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!” Trump posted.
This topic comes at a critical moment since Syrian rebels took control of Damascus on Sunday without facing any opposition, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia. The fall of Assad’s government significantly reduced Iran and Russia’s influence in the Arab region. Russian state media reported that Moscow has provided asylum for him and his family, reported Reuters.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has been sending immense support to Ukraine to help it fight against Russia, but Trump has suggested it would be better to work toward peace talks instead.