Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on December 9 that he told U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that Vladimir Putin fears only two things: Trump and China.
Zelensky made the statement on X following a trilateral meeting with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on December 7, where the leaders discussed Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
"I told President Trump that Putin fears only him and, perhaps, China," Zelensky said, as cited by the Kyiv Independent. "And that’s the truth — only decisiveness can bring this war to a just end and ensure lasting peace."
Navigating Uncertain U.S. Support
Trump’s upcoming return to the White House in January 2025 has sparked concerns in Kyiv.
The Ukrainian leadership fears that the new administration may scale back U.S. military and financial support and pressure Ukraine into making territorial concessions.
To counter this possibility, Zelensky emphasized the need for a united front, urging Trump to adopt a "peace through strength" approach.
"To succeed in ending this war, we need unity — the unity of America, Europe, and everyone in the world who values security — as well as strong positions and guarantees for peace," Zelensky stated.
Trump Calls for "Stopping the Madness"
Following their meeting, Trump described Zelensky as being ready to "make a deal and stop the madness."
"Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse," Trump wrote on his platform, Social Truth, on December 8.
Trump also indicated that Ukraine might face reduced assistance from the U.S. under his leadership, a stance consistent with his previous calls for European allies to shoulder more of the burden in supporting Ukraine.
Zelensky countered Trump's remarks, cautioning against hasty agreements.
"The war cannot be ended simply with a piece of paper and a few signatures," he wrote on Telegram, warning that "a ceasefire without guarantees can be reignited at any moment, as Putin has already done in the past."
