Paris, France – In a surprise move ahead of the highly anticipated reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral, US President-elect Donald Trump engaged in a three-way meeting with French President emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The meeting, held at the Élysée Palace, focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and its global implications.
The meeting, which followed Trump’s earlier discussions with Macron, saw Zelensky join the talks, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Zelensky’s presence was notably significant given concerns in Kyiv that Trump, who has pledged to end the war within 24 hours, might pressure Ukraine into making significant concessions to Russia.
“The world seems a little crazy right now,” Trump remarked to reporters before the meeting. “We’re going to talk about it.”
Despite a history of strained relations between Trump and Macron during Trump’s previous presidency, the two leaders presented a united front. ”As we all know,we have a good relationship. We have accomplished a lot,” Trump stated.
Zelensky,in a social media post,described the trilateral talks as “good and positive. We all hope to end this war in a just way quickly.”
he expressed gratitude to Macron for facilitating the meeting and praised Trump’s commitment to resolving the conflict.”President Trump remains as determined as ever, and I am very grateful to him,” Zelensky wrote. The three leaders also agreed to maintain open dialog and continue their collaborative efforts.
Macron echoed this sentiment on social media, stating, ”Let us continue to work together for peace and security.”
According to Zelensky’s spokesperson, Sergiy Nykyforov, the trilateral discussions lasted approximately 35 minutes and involved only the three leaders.
In a surprising move, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his resignation on Tuesday, citing health concerns.The announcement sent shockwaves through the political landscape, leaving manny wondering about the future direction of Japan.
“I have decided to step down as Prime Minister due to health reasons,” Kishida stated. “I believe it is indeed in the best interest of the nation for me to make way for new leadership.”
Kishida, who assumed office in October 2021, has faced mounting pressure in recent months due to a series of political scandals and a sluggish economy. His resignation comes as Japan prepares for crucial elections, adding another layer of uncertainty to the political scene.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has pledged to swiftly appoint a successor, with a new Prime Minister expected to be in place within days. The LDP will hold internal elections to choose Kishida’s replacement, and the outcome is highly likely to have significant implications for Japan’s domestic and foreign policy.
Kishida’s resignation marks a significant turning point in Japanese politics. The coming weeks will be crucial as the LDP navigates the leadership transition and prepares for the upcoming elections.
## TrumpS Surprise Paris Summit: A Gamble for Peace or a Diplomatic Minefield?
**Paris, France** – The world watched in astonishment as US president-elect Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky huddled in a surprise three-way meeting at the Élysée palace on December 7th. While the setting – the backdrop of Notre Dame’s imminent reopening – may have been picturesque, the agenda was anything but: the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
**World Today News** interviewed Dr. Anya Ivanova,an expert on international relations and Eastern Europe at the Sorbonne University,to unpack the implications of this unexpected diplomatic foray.
**WTN:** Dr. Ivanova, this meeting certainly raised eyebrows. What were your initial thoughts when you heard about the three-way summit?
**Dr.Ivanova:** Certainly, it was a surprising move by President-elect Trump. Holding such a high-level meeting just days before assuming office and amidst ongoing concerns about his stance on the Ukraine war casts a shadow of uncertainty over the proceedings.
**WTN:** Zelensky’s presence is especially noteworthy. Some fear that Trump’s promise to “end the war in 24 hours” might pressure Ukraine into making concessions detrimental to its interests. Do you share these concerns?
**Dr. Ivanova:** It’s a legitimate concern. President-elect Trump’s lack of experience in international diplomacy and his history of impulsive decisions certainly raise red flags. While his eagerness to end the conflict is commendable,forcing a quick resolution without carefully considering Ukraine’s needs could backfire and have long-term negative consequences for the country.
**WTN:** What message does this meeting send to Russia?
**Dr. Ivanova:** It’s a complex message. On one hand, engaging in direct talks wiht Russia’s allies – France and Ukraine – seemingly demonstrates a willingness to find a diplomatic solution. On the other hand, Trump’s
“24-hour” pledge might be perceived as a sign of weakness or desperation by Putin. It remains to be seen how Russia will react to this unconventional approach.
**WTN:** What are the potential outcomes of this meeting?
**Dr. Ivanova:** The outcome is highly uncertain. Ideally, it could mark the beginning of a truly collaborative effort towards a peaceful resolution, with all parties working together to address Ukraine’s security concerns. However, given the volatile nature of trump’s approach and the lack of clear strategy, it’s also possible that the meeting could exacerbate existing tensions and further complicate the situation.
**WTN:** What should the international community be watching for in the coming days and weeks?
**Dr. Ivanova:**
It’s crucial to closely monitor Trump’s next steps. will he consult with NATO allies before taking any further action regarding Ukraine? What concrete proposals will he present to both Russia and Ukraine? The international community should be prepared to hold him accountable for any commitments he makes and ensure that any potential peace agreement upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**The world waits with bated breath to see what the Trump presidency will mean for the future of international relations and, most importantly, for the people of ukraine.**
