World News | Trump Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Ukraine, Says US Withdrawal from NATO Possible | LatestLY
Washington, Dec 9 – Donald Trump has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to take immediate action towards achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine, indicating that he would actively work to end the conflict even before officially taking office. In statements made on social media, Trump recognized that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government are eager to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing situation.
In a televised interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump suggested he was actively involved in efforts to bring an end to the nearly three-year-long war. He also indicated a willingness to reconsider military aid to Ukraine and left the door open for the possibility of the United States withdrawing from NATO, which has raised concern among Ukraine and its allies, as well as within certain sectors of the U.S. national security community.
Trump emphasized the need for an “immediate ceasefire” alongside ongoing negotiations, stating, “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!” His comments came after meetings in Paris with Ukrainian and French leaders over the weekend. However, none of the advisers accompanying him had specific expertise on Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described the discussions with Trump as “constructive,” but he has refrained from providing further details about the conversation. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine seeks a “just and robust peace” and underscored the importance of securing effective guarantees to prevent future aggression from Russia.
In response to Trump’s social media post, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s commitment to talks but highlighted that a decree issued by Zelenskyy declared negotiations impossible while Putin remains in power, especially following Putin’s controversial annexation of four occupied regions of Ukraine.
Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, Trump’s former national security adviser, cautioned against the notion that a simple solution might exist to the conflict. He expressed concern over the idea that Putin could be appeased, emphasizing the need for strength and support for Ukraine.
While Trump’s advocacy for rapid negotiations aligns with his previous approaches to foreign policy, the responses from Ukraine and Russia highlight the significance of his statements as he prepares for his upcoming term. Both Trump and President Joe Biden noted that the resources of the Russian military are becoming strained, particularly following events in Syria.
The Biden administration has made clear that pressing for an immediate truce is not part of its strategy, wary that a hasty agreement might force Ukraine into unfavorable concessions. Trump, however, presents himself as capable of negotiating swift resolutions to conflicts, contrasting with the Biden administration’s ongoing mediation efforts.
The question of Trump’s potential actions regarding NATO was also raised in the context of his commitment to U.S. participation in the alliance during his new term. He has long criticized European and Canadian NATO members for what he views as uneven financial contributions to the alliance, stating that continued U.S. involvement hinges on fairness and equitable burden-sharing.
When questioned about reducing U.S. financial and military aid to Ukraine, Trump left the possibility on the table, further complicating the discussions around NATO support and assistance to Ukraine. Such military aid remains pivotal for Ukraine as it continues to combat Russian forces. Recently, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a significant new support package for Ukraine amid ongoing military actions.
As Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine, capturing key areas, the complexities of the situation continue to evolve. The international community watches closely as Trump’s potential actions and statements could significantly impact the future dynamics of the conflict.
