Meeting with Zelensky – Nehammer offered Austria for peace talks

On Platform X, Nehammer thanked Zelensky for “the good and in-depth conversation today in Paris.” “As a neutral country, Austria is always ready to organize peace talks,” he added.

Nehammer had previously offered Austria in a telephone conversation with Trump as a location for peace talks.

Trump also with Macron
Before the reopening ceremony, French head of state Emmanuel Macron plans to receive Trump at 4 p.m. and then Zelenskyj at 5 p.m. It is unclear whether this will be a three-way meeting or a personal conversation between Zelensky and Trump.

It would be the first meeting between Zelensky and Trump since his victory in the US presidential elections a month ago. Trump takes office in January and could have a significant impact on the course of the war.

The French president’s office announced that Macron would first have a bilateral meeting with Trump at the Élysée Palace on Saturday afternoon, before his meeting with Zelensky. It is Trump’s first trip abroad since his victory in the presidential elections in early November.

Fear of defeat
There are deep fears in Ukraine that Trump, after being sworn in on January 20, could drastically reduce US military aid to the country attacked by Russia, leaving him with a defeat. The United States remains Ukraine’s main supporter and largest arms supplier.

There are also fears in many EU states that Trump could force an unbalanced ceasefire deal, effectively making Russia look like the winner of the war of aggression ordered by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in February 2022, in violation with international law.

Scholz hopes for a Ukraine strategy with Trump
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expects an agreement with Trump on the further approach. “I have already spoken extensively on the phone with the future US president, and we are also in direct contact with those responsible for security policy. I am confident that we can develop a common strategy for Ukraine,” the SPD politician told the newspapers of media group Funke. When asked whether Ukraine should cede territory for a ceasefire, he replied that nothing should be decided over the heads of Ukrainians.

Scholz emphasized that Germany will remain by far the strongest supporter of Ukraine in Europe. “It is important that the killings end quickly and that Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty are guaranteed.”

Zelensky: “Putin Doesn’t Want Real Peace”
While the major issues of war and peace are still being debated at the political level, the daily bloodshed in Ukraine continues. Zelensky condemned the momentous slide bomb attack on Zaporizhia as Russian terror. Three people were killed and 17 injured in a new rocket attack on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Kryvy Rih, authorities said. A third body was recovered from the rubble of a stricken house this morning.

“Thousands of these types of attacks that Russia has carried out during this war make it clear: Putin does not want real peace – he wants the ability to treat any country this way, with bombs, missiles and all other forms of violence,” he said. Zelenskiy. “Only through strength can we resist this. And only through strength can true peace be created.”

The front line between Russian and Ukrainian forces runs just over 30 kilometers southeast of Zaporizhia. Russian aircraft can drop the glide bombs, which are equipped with their own propulsion system, from distances of more than 50 kilometers.

The British heir to the throne, Prince William, will also meet Trump before the reopening of the Paris cathedral. The 42-year-old wanted to discuss the importance of the ‘special relationship’ between Britain and the US, it was heard in London. The appointment is also seen as another step to welcome the son of King Charles III. to build up as a statesman. Royal meetings with foreign politicians are usually organized by the British government.