Trump Prioritizes Ukraine Conflict Resolution Over Syrian Crisis
In a recent interview with French magazine Paris Match, US President-elect Donald Trump emphasized that resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine is his top priority, overshadowing other global crises, including the situation in Syria. Trump stated, "The priority is to resolve the Ukraine problem with Russia. These two countries are suffering incredible human losses. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers are being killed." He expressed concerns about the humanitarian toll of the conflict, which has seen significant casualties on both sides.
During his visit to Paris for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking their first face-to-face meeting since Trump's election. Following their discussions, Trump called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations, suggesting that Zelensky was open to making a deal to end the conflict. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Trump's commitment to resolving the war, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Casualty Dispute Between Trump and Zelensky
The conversation surrounding the Ukraine war has also sparked a contentious debate over casualty figures. President Zelensky reported that approximately 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died since the onset of the conflict in 2022, a figure that contradicts Trump's claim of 400,000 casualties. In response to Trump's assertion, Zelensky clarified that Ukraine has documented around 370,000 wounded soldiers, with about half returning to active duty.
Trump dismissed Zelensky's figures as "ridiculous," reiterating his own estimate of 400,000 Ukrainian casualties while also claiming that nearly 600,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded. This exchange highlights the differing narratives and the complexities surrounding the war's human cost.
Zelensky, while acknowledging the need for a ceasefire, emphasized that any peace agreement must include robust security guarantees from Western allies to ensure lasting stability. He pointed out the significant number of Ukrainian military personnel and civilians currently held captive by Russia, underscoring the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
