What's happened
Donald Trump has urged for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine following his first face-to-face meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. Trump claimed both sides have suffered significant losses and suggested that negotiations should begin to end the conflict. Zelensky emphasized the need for effective peace guarantees.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Trump stated, "There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin," highlighting the urgency of the situation. Zelensky responded by emphasizing that peace requires effective guarantees, stating, "Ukrainians want peace more than anyone else." The Independent reported that Trump claimed Ukraine had lost 400,000 soldiers, a figure that includes both killed and wounded, which Zelensky later clarified as 43,000 killed and 370,000 wounded. The Moscow Times noted that while Trump has positioned himself as a potential peacemaker, concerns remain about the implications of his administration's policies on Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
How we got here
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in substantial military and civilian casualties since February 2022. Recent discussions between Trump and Zelensky signal a potential shift in diplomatic efforts to resolve the war.
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