United States President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to make resolving the ongoing Ukraine crisis his primary international priority after taking office next month.
Focus on the Ukraine-Russia Conflict
In an interview with Paris Match, Trump underscored the gravity of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, citing the staggering loss of life on both sides. He described the situation as one of the most critical global issues, surpassing the complexity of other international challenges like the Middle East.
- Key Quote:
“Both those countries are losing numbers that nobody can believe. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers are being killed,” Trump stated during the interview.
Call for Immediate Action
Trump proposed an urgent solution, including:
- Ceasefire Implementation: Advocating for an immediate halt to hostilities.
- Negotiations: Encouraging diplomatic talks to achieve a long-term resolution.
He expressed optimism about the possibility of resolving the crisis swiftly to end the devastating human toll.
Meeting with Global Leaders
During his visit to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Trump met with:
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Following their discussions, Zelensky thanked Trump for his commitment to ending the war.
Middle East and Other Foreign Policy Stances
While acknowledging the importance of Middle Eastern issues, Trump stated that resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict would take precedence, citing it as a more pressing and difficult matter.
On Syria, Trump reiterated his stance that the US should avoid involvement, emphasizing that “Syria must handle its own affairs.”
Global Implications
Trump’s proposed focus on Ukraine signals a potential shift in US foreign policy priorities. His emphasis on negotiation and immediate action could set a new tone for international relations under his administration.
