The incoming US president stated his aim to prevent the conflict from escalating.
In an NBC News interview, President-elect Donald Trump indicated he would likely decrease US aid to Ukraine upon assuming office. This statement followed his call for an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
When asked if Ukraine should expect less US aid, Trump responded affirmatively.
Since February 2022, the US has allocated $131.36 billion for Ukraine (Pentagon figures), with approximately $90 billion disbursed (Kiel Institute).
Trump’s campaign promises included ending the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours, though without detailing his approach. It’s widely believed he’d leverage aid reductions to pressure Zelensky into negotiations, and conversely, increased aid to pressure Putin.
Trump met with Zelensky and Macron in Paris on Saturday, in an unscheduled meeting. No post-meeting statements were released.
Trump later claimed on social media that Zelensky and Ukraine desired a deal to end the conflict, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to prevent further escalation. He also cited a figure of 400,000 Ukrainian soldier losses since 2022, significantly higher than reported figures.
Separately, Trump claimed Russia had lost 600,000 troops—a figure the Kremlin refuted as Ukrainian propaganda.
Zelensky denied seeking a quick resolution, stating on X that the conflict requires more than just agreements. He asserted that only strength could stop Putin and that Ukraine would only accept a “just peace.”
Zelensky champions his ten-point peace plan as the only viable path. However, the Kremlin dismisses this plan—which includes restoring Ukraine’s 1991 borders, reparations, and the surrender of Russian officials to war crimes tribunals—as unrealistic.
Moscow insists any settlement must begin with Ukraine halting military operations and accepting the loss of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporozhye, and Crimea. They further insist on achieving their stated military operation goals: Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification.
Trump declined to confirm communication with Putin since the election, citing concerns about hindering negotiations.