Trump says Zelensky is ready for ‘deal’ with Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted three-way talks with Zelensky and Trump at the Elysee Palace on Saturday, as fears grow in Kyiv about the position of the incoming US administration.

Trump has openly scoffed at the billions of dollars in military assistance being sent to Ukraine and once boasted he could end the conflict in 24 hours.

“ (Zelensky) and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. 

“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.”

Hours after the trio’s meeting, the outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden announced a new $988-million military assistance package for Ukraine.

The Pentagon said the package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks, and armoured vehicles.

‘Just’ peace

In Ukraine there is concern that Trump may urge domestically unpopular concessions to bring about peace. Zelensky insisted any settlement with Russia had to be equitable.

“We all want peace. But it is very important for us … that the peace is just for all of us and that Russia … Putin or any other aggressor has no possibility of ever returning,” Zelensky said, according to the presidential website.

“And this is the most important thing — a just peace and security guarantees, strong security guarantees for Ukraine,” he added.

But Zelensky also thanked Trump for his “unwavering resolve” describing the talks as “good and productive”.

Zelensky’s meeting with Trump, just before both attended the reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame cathedral, was his first face-to-face encounter with the tycoon-turned-politician since his US election victory.

It also offered a unique chance for Macron to gain insights into how a second Trump presidency will look when he takes office in January.

The trip to Paris is Trump’s first international visit since his November 5 election win.