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During a meeting in Paris on December 7, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump stated that Europe will have to shoulder the primary burden of supporting Ukraine and ensuring a future ceasefire, according to The Wall Street Journal.
In conversations with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron, Trump reportedly said he does not support Ukraine’s NATO membership but wants to see a “strong, well-armed Ukraine” after any cessation of hostilities.
Trump emphasized that Europe should play the leading role in defending and supporting Ukraine, proposing that a ceasefire be overseen by European troops stationed in Ukraine, explicitly ruling out U.S. military involvement.
Additionally, according to WSJ, Trump urged European nations to do more to pressure China into influencing Russia to end the full-scale invasion. This included discussions on potentially using tariffs against Beijing.
Advisors to the incoming U.S. president told The Wall Street Journal that Trump does not yet have a concrete plan for Ukraine. Key decisions will be made after he assembles a national security team and holds further talks with allies—and potentially with Vladimir Putin.
The idea of deploying European troops in Ukraine was first publicly raised by French President Emmanuel Macron in early 2024. Following Trump’s election victory, the discussions gained momentum and were a focal point during Macron’s recent visit to Poland.
Earlier reports noted that during the Paris meeting on December 7, Zelenskyy and Macron sought to convey their vision for a sustainable peace in Ukraine to the U.S. president-elect, though no specific details were discussed.
Read also: The U.S. Outlines the Type of Future Syrian Government It Will Support
