‘Stop the madness’: Donald Trump calls on Russia to stop war in Ukraine

Donald Trump has called for an “immediate” ceasefire in Ukraine and for negotiations between it and Russia to “stop the madness”.

Donald Trump has called for an “immediate” ceasefire in Ukraine and for negotiations between it and Russia to “stop the madness”.

The US President-elect made the comments on his Truth Social platform just hours after meeting Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Paris for their first face-to-face meeting since Mr Trump won November’s election.

“Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness,” Mr Trump wrote, claiming that Kyiv had “ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians”.

“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.

“I know Vladimir (Putin) well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World (sic) is waiting!”

The 78-year-old maintained throughout his run for president that, if elected, he would be able to end the conflict “in 24 hours”.

US President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Picture: Ludovic Marin/POOL/AFP

Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky with French President Emmanuel Macron. Picture: AFP Photo/Ukrainian Presidential Press Service

Mr Trump said earlier on Sunday that Mr Zelensky is keen on a “deal” to end the war with Russia, following three-way talks between the pair and their French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, at Paris’ Elysee Palace.

The President-elect has openly scoffed at the billions of dollars in military assistance being sent to Ukraine.

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.

The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden announced a new $988 million military assistance package for Ukraine.

‘Just’ peace

In Ukraine there is concern that Mr Trump may urge domestically unpopular concessions to bring about peace. Moscow and Kyiv are readying for his arrival in the White House, with an escalation in deadly attacks in recent weeks in the drawn-out conflict.

But, Mr 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,” Mr 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.

Mr Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018. Picture: Yuri Kadobnov/AFP

But Mr Zelensky also thanked Mr 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.

Originally published as ‘Stop the madness’: Donald Trump calls on Russia to stop war in Ukraine