Can Russia Still Save Assad in Syria?
NewsweekDec 07, 2024
Trump Says Zelenskyy Ready for 'Peace' in Ukraine
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Above: French Pres. Emmanuel Macron (C), US Pres.-elect Donald Trump (2nd R) and Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy (2nd L) pose after their meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, on Dec. 7, 2024. Image copyright: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres.-elect Donald Trump said Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy was ready for "peace" between his country and Russia after the pair met in Paris this weekend.
Trump and Zelenskyy were in the French capital for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral — first attending a trilateral meeting with French Pres. Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace before attending a ceremony at the church with other world leaders.
In an interview with the New York Post following the trip, Trump said: "[Zelenskyy] wants to have a cease-fire. He wants to make peace. We didn't talk about the details. He thinks it's time, and [Russian Pres. Vladimir] Putin should think it's time because he's lost — when you lose 700K people, it's time. It's not going to end until there's a peace."
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
This ridiculous war has gone on for too long and should not have started in the first place. Zelenskyy has recognized that and under Trump's leadership, a fair and lasting peace will be achieved.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
We all want this war to end as soon as possible — but peace must be achieved through strength. That means alongside firm security guarantees, Ukraine needs commitments on EU and NATO membership.
