President-elect Donald Trump has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is open to pursuing a ceasefire with Russia. Trump also described his interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his time in France as particularly engaging, calling her a “real live wire.”
Trump shared these insights with the New York Post after attending the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The iconic cathedral, ravaged by a fire in 2019, has been fully restored, and the event brought together several world leaders.
Speaking about Zelensky, Trump said, “He wants to make peace. That’s new. He wants to have a ceasefire. We didn’t get into the details, but he thinks it’s time. Putin should think it’s time too because when you lose 700,000 people, it’s time. It’s not going to end until there’s a peace.”
The president-elect hinted that he is working on a comprehensive plan to resolve the conflict, describing it as a “ridiculous war.”
War in Ukraine and Trump’s Approach
Trump’s comments come at a critical time as the war in Ukraine grinds on, with significant loss of life on both sides. Russian President Vladimir Putin remains steadfast in his demand that Ukraine stays neutral and does not join NATO. Putin has repeatedly claimed that Western nations, particularly the U.S. and U.K., are using Ukraine as a proxy in their geopolitical struggle against Russia.
Trump’s potential return to the White House has fueled speculation about how he might handle the conflict. Many believe he could reduce U.S. aid to Ukraine to pressure both sides into negotiating a ceasefire. This prospect has raised concerns among some Western allies who fear the war could enter an even more volatile phase.
Meeting Giorgia Meloni
Among the leaders Trump met in France was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whom he described as dynamic and engaging. “I was with her a lot. She’s a real live wire. She’s great,” Trump said. The two leaders spent significant time together during a reception that brought together world leaders.
Handshakes with Macron
Another moment that drew attention was Trump’s interactions with French President Emmanuel Macron. During the event, Trump and Macron exchanged a series of notably firm and lengthy handshakes. The handshakes were widely discussed online, with many interpreting them as a display of dominance or mutual respect.
One observer commented on social media, “Trump is back to dominating world leaders with his handshake.” Another joked, “Macron is going to need a hand massage after all that twisting and pulling Trump did to him.”
Trump praised Macron’s leadership in overseeing the restoration of Notre-Dame, saying, “He’s done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre-Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It’s a beautiful accomplishment.”
First Lady Jill Biden Sparks Viral Moment
While President Joe Biden did not attend the event due to a scheduling conflict, First Lady Jill Biden and her daughter Ashley represented the U.S. Photos of Jill Biden interacting with Trump went viral, with many social media users commenting on her animated demeanor during their conversation.
Trump later shared one of the photos on his social media platform, Truth Social, adding a playful caption: “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist,” in a nod to his perfume brand.
When asked about the interaction, Trump said, “She couldn’t have been nicer. We had a very nice conversation.”
A Warm Meeting with Prince William
Another highlight of Trump’s visit was his meeting with Prince William. The two shared what Trump described as a warm and engaging conversation. “We talked for more than half an hour. I asked him about his wife and his father, and he said they’re doing well. He loves them very much,” Trump said.
Trump also complimented William’s appearance, saying, “He’s a good-looking guy. Some people look even better in person, and he looked really great last night.”
Body language expert Judi James analyzed the interaction, describing Trump’s gestures as “friendly and almost parental.” Footage showed Trump patting William on the shoulder during their meeting, signaling a relaxed and cordial relationship.
Reflections on the Event
Reflecting on his time at Notre-Dame, Trump said he was honored to attend the reopening of such an important religious and cultural landmark. “When Notre-Dame burned, it was a very sad day for the world. It represents one of the ultimate places for religion and Christianity,” he said.
Trump also expressed hope that world leaders could work together more effectively in the future. “The group we had here is similar to what I experienced four years ago. Hopefully, we can come together to straighten out the world a little bit,” he added.
Security Details
Trump’s visit to Paris included heightened security measures. More than 20 French government security agents worked alongside the U.S. Secret Service to ensure his safety. Additionally, an anti-drone protection vehicle was part of his convoy.
Overall, Trump said he enjoyed the event and the opportunity to reconnect with global leaders. “We got along great. It was a very special day for all,” he concluded.
