Trump claims Zelensky seeks to “make a deal“ with Moscow

Tengrinews.kz – Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine "would like to strike a deal" with Moscow, calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations, according to RIA Novosti.

"Likewise, Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. They have 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 well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.

Trump further stated that Russia's involvement in its war against Ukraine had caused Moscow to "lose interest in Syria". He estimated Russian military casualties, including killed or wounded soldiers, at nearly 600,000, while he claimed Ukrainian military losses amounted to 400,000.

Trump's remarks on Kyiv's willingness to negotiate came a day after his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. The talks, which also included French President Emmanuel Macron, reportedly focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Trump won the U.S. presidential election on November 5, and his inauguration is scheduled for January 20. The Republican leader has previously criticized U.S. military aid to Ukraine and pledged to resolve the conflict through negotiations.