Trump Calls for Ukraine Ceasefire and Suggests Shift in US Foreign Policy

Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, has indicated a reduction in military aid to Ukraine once he assumes office. In a recent televised interview, Trump also proposed rethinking the U.S. role in NATO, suggesting that continued participation would hinge on member states meeting their financial commitments to the alliance. His statements have raised concerns among NATO allies and security experts regarding future U.S. foreign policy and its potential impacts on global stability.

In his remarks, Trump claimed that the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent escalations in the Middle East would not have occurred had he remained in office. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and urged negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow to end the conflict. Speaking on his platform Truth Social, Trump asserted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is willing to seek a deal to stop what he termed "the madness." He also emphasized his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin should act swiftly, noting that China could play a role in facilitating peace. However, Trump refrained from disclosing whether he had been in contact with Putin since winning the election, citing a desire to avoid jeopardizing potential negotiations.

Zelensky, responding to Trump's comments, emphasized that peace must come with guarantees to prevent future aggression. He reiterated that Ukrainians seek peace but hold Russia accountable for bringing war to their country. Zelensky disclosed that Ukraine has suffered approximately 43,000 military fatalities, alongside 370,000 wounded soldiers. This figure contrasts with Trump's unverified claims of hundreds of thousands of casualties on both sides.

During his discussions with Zelensky and French...