In just 45 minutes, everything changed: Axios reports how Macron persuaded Trump to meet with Zelensky.

The negotiations between the elected U.S. President Donald Trump and the head of the Ukrainian state, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Paris became a reality, even though they almost didn't happen. The key role in making this meeting happen was played by French President Emmanuel Macron: in recent days, he persistently urged the American leader to meet with the President of Ukraine, and ultimately succeeded—Trump agreed to meet with Zelensky at the last minute. The meeting lasted almost 45 minutes, but it changed everything. On December 8, Trump announced that Ukraine wants to make a deal with Russia to "stop the madness" of war.

The exceptional efforts of Emmanuel Macron were reported by Axios. The article notes that initially Trump was reluctant to meet with Zelensky, but after several discussions with Macron, he took this step.

The meeting between Zelensky and Trump was the first after his election victory and took place six weeks before his inauguration. The reasons behind Trump's change of heart were not disclosed, but it is quite possible that the festive atmosphere at the opening of Notre-Dame Cathedral or the fall of Assad's regime in Syria prompted the American politician to take positive actions.

Sources close to the organization of the meeting between Trump and Zelensky stated that the negotiations between the two leaders lasted nearly 45 minutes. Afterward, the smiling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the meeting was "fruitful and good," emphasizing that peace through strength is possible. Both leaders agreed to continue cooperation and maintain contact.

"President Trump, as always, is determined... we all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just manner. Peace through strength is possible," Zelensky stated in conclusion.

45 Minutes That Changed Everything

On Sunday, December 8, elected U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is interested in a deal to end the war with Russia after they met in Paris to discuss the future of the conflict. According to Trump, negotiations should begin immediately.

"We need to cease fire immediately and start negotiations. Too many lives are being wasted, too many families are being destroyed, and if this continues, it could turn into something much bigger and much worse," Trump declared.

Conversely, Trump has a "plan B" if Putin does not agree to end the war. This plan involves the collapse of the Russian economy, new severe sanctions, and record military aid to Ukraine.

Just hours after the trilateral meeting in Paris, the outgoing administration of U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $988 million. According to the Pentagon, the package includes drones, munitions for precision missile systems like HIMARS, as well as equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks, and armored vehicles.

In Ukraine, there are concerns that Trump might push for unpopular concessions to establish peace. Zelensky insisted that any settlement with Russia must be fair.

"We all want peace. But it is very important for us that the peace is just for all of us and that neither Russia, nor Putin, nor any other aggressor has the opportunity to return," Zelensky stated.