Trump says Zelensky is ready for 'deal' with Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted three-way talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump at the Elysee Palace on Saturday, as concerns grow in Kyiv about the incoming U.S. administration.

Trump has openly criticized the billions of dollars in military aid being sent to Ukraine, once boasting he could end the conflict in 24 hours. "Zelenskyy 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 U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new $988 million military assistance package for Ukraine. The package includes drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks, and armored vehicles, according to the Pentagon.

'just' peace

In Ukraine, there is concern that Trump may urge domestically unpopular concessions to bring about peace. Zelenskyy insisted that any settlement with Russia must 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, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin or any other aggressor has no possibility of ever returning," Zelenskyy 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. Zelenskyy also thanked Trump for his "unwavering resolve," describing the talks as "good and productive."

Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump, just before both attended the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral, was his first face-to-face encounter with the tycoon-turned-politician since his U.S. election victory. It also provided a unique opportunity for Macron to gain insights into what a second Trump presidency will look like when he takes office in January.

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

going a little crazy

Trump and Macron embraced and shook hands several times on the steps of the French presidential palace. Trump was given a full guard of honor despite not yet being in office.

"It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we will be talking about that," Trump told reporters as he prepared to sit down for talks with Macron.

Despite tensions between the two men during his first term, Trump praised his relationship with the centrist French leader, saying: "We had a great relationship as everyone knows. We accomplished a lot." Macron told Trump it was "a great honor for French people to welcome you" for the reopening ceremony at Notre Dame, which was devastated by a blaze in 2019 during Trump's first term.

"You were president at that time, and I remember the solidarity and the immediate reaction," Macron added, speaking in English.

In his reaction to the discussions, Macron wrote on social media: "Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security." European allies have largely enjoyed a close working relationship with Biden on the crisis in the Middle East, but Trump is likely to distance himself and align the United States more closely with Israel.