U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attends a gathering with Britain’s Prince William (not pictured) on the residence of the British ambassador to France, on the day of the reopening ceremonies of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral following the 2019 hearth, in Paris, France, December 7, 2024.
Aaron Chown | Via Reuters
In an unique interview with Donald Trump on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, the president-elect informed NBC News’ Kristen Welker that Ukraine will “probably” obtain much less navy support as soon as he takes workplace.
“We’re in for $350 billion, and Europe is in for $100 billion. Why is not Europe in for a similar as us?” Trump informed Welker of assist that has gone to Ukraine because the struggle started in February 2022.
“The one factor that ought to occur is that Europe…ought to equalize,” he added.
On Saturday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin introduced a $988 million aid package of latest arms and gear to Ukraine to assist in the continued battle following Russia’s invasion. All informed, the U.S. has dedicated greater than $62 billion in help to Ukraine because the battle began almost three years in the past.
“I believe [Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy] is possibly the best salesman of any politician that is ever lived,” Trump previously said of the Ukrainian chief in June. The feedback recommend that Zelenskyy’s diplomatic abilities had been to credit score for the tens of billions of {dollars} in U.S. navy support packages, somewhat than the nation’s precise wants.
Like his stance throughout his first time period within the White House, Trump stated that NATO must “pay their payments” as a situation of the U.S. remaining a part of the navy coalition. The incoming president has beforehand threatened a number of instances to withdraw the nation from NATO — an alliance that has been in place since World War II, with a major mission of defending in opposition to the rising energy of Russia.
“Europe is in for a fraction, and struggle with Russia is extra vital for Europe than it’s for us,” Trump informed Welker. “We have a bit factor referred to as an ocean in between us.”
When requested whether or not he had been in contact with Putin since profitable workplace, Trump wouldn’t deny that he had spoken to the Russian president.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron (C) walks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) after a gathering on the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on Dec. 7, 2024.
Julien De Rosa | Afp | Getty Images
The incoming president met with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy throughout a 35-minute meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Saturday. The three had been in Paris for a ceremony to reopen the Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been below repairs since a fireplace in 2019.
Following Trump’s dialog with Zelenskyy in France, the incoming president took to social media to name for an finish to the battle in Ukraine.
“There needs to be an instantaneous ceasefire and negotiations ought to start,” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. He added that the “struggle that ought to by no means have began, and will go on endlessly.”
Trump has stated earlier than that inside a day of taking workplace, he would dealer an finish to the battle between Russia and Ukraine, crediting his sturdy ties with Putin.
“I do know Vladimir nicely. This is his time to behave. China will help. The World is ready!” Trump added in his social media post.
Trump additionally highlighted his “good relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting they’ve been speaking with each other since he was elected and as just lately as three days earlier than his interview with NBC’s Welker.
When requested whether or not he would defend Taiwan if China invades the island nation-state, Trump stated that whereas he prefers China to not do it, he refused to say whether or not he would have the U.S. intervene, noting that he has to “negotiate issues.”
During his current name with President Xi, Trump stated that the subject of Taiwan “did not come up.”
The U.S. president-elect additionally spoke about Russia’s function within the Syrian battle.
Following a 13-year civil war, Syrian rebels took control of the capital city of Damascus on Sunday and stated that they had efficiently ousted President Bashar al-Assad. There are studies that the aircraft Assad took in another country is lacking.
“Assad is gone. He has fled his nation. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not enthusiastic about defending him any longer. There was no motive for Russia to be there within the first place. They misplaced all curiosity in Syria due to Ukraine,” Trump added on Truth Social.
