While President Donald Trump was on hand for the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. French President Emmanuel Macron also took part in the three-way talks aimed at expediting an end to the war.
Trump in European demand
Donald Trump has a rock-star size crowd of European fans. They’re all at the world leader level. Jill Biden was on her best behavior as the who’s who of continental politics fought for a chance at a handshake and photo op.
Behind the scenes, French President Emmanuel Macron set up an informal audience for Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
A few weeks ago, Trump met with Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago to discuss Ukraine’s options. The plan is to end the war in a reasonable time without it being a total loss to Ukraine.
While Joe Biden remains in charge, there’s only so much that can be done. Even so, now’s the time to lay the groundwork and get everyone on the same page.
Macron was crucial to have on hand for Sunday’s informal talks because he’s in constant contact with all the European NATO leaders.
In roughly six weeks, Trump will be fully in charge of the U.S. Administrative branch while Republicans hold both houses of the Legislative branch and Conservatives rule the Supreme Court, all at the same time. All Democrats can do is hide, for the next couple years minimum. That means their allies aligned with the World Economic Forum have been hung out to dry.
General Keith Kellogg new envoy
One of the things Trump already accomplished is the appointment of retired General Keith Kellogg as “envoy for Ukraine and Russia diplomacy.” He’s already on the job.
Earlier this week, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak flew to Washington for a direct meeting with Kellogg. While he was in town, Yermak had face time with VP Vance and incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz.
The trilateral meeting happened on the fringes of the big ceremony honoring the cathedral’s miraculous reconstruction but lasted a full 45 minutes. One of those in the official party declared the talks with Trump were “good and fruitful.”
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also called the meeting “productive,” adding that “they discussed the situation on the ground.” His struggling soldiers have been urged to hang tight but they need to be rewarded with a “just” peace when the fighting finally stops.
Zelenskyy took to social media after the exchange to say what he could without revealing any sensitive inside information. “President Trump is, as always, resolute,” he posted. “We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. Peace through strength is possible.”
Separately, it’s been reported that Trump gave his buddy Vlad Putin a jingle on Thursday, to warn him “not to escalate the fighting in Ukraine.” Just sit tight a few more weeks and something can be worked out that everyone can live with.
