President-elect Donald Trump claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants to “have a truce” and “make peace” amid the ongoing war between Russia.
Trump, 78, told the New York Post about his conversation with Zelensky during his stay in France, where he and other world leaders gathered this weekend for the opening of Notre Dame.
Speaking of Zelensky, Trump told the newspaper: “He wants to make peace. That’s new.’
‘He wants a ceasefire. He wants to make peace. We didn’t talk about the details. He thinks it’s time, and Putin should think it’s time, because he’s lost – when you lose 700,000 people, it’s time. It will not end until there is peace,” the 45th president added.
The Republican leader added that he is “formulating a concept on how to end that ridiculous war.”
He further elaborated on his interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as he called her a “real live wire.”
“I was with her a lot,” he said, referring to the time they spent together at the world leader’s reception. “She’s a real live wire. I’ll tell you. She’s great.’
During his stay in France, Trump was seen awkwardly shaking hands with President Macron as part of the ceremony commemorating the renovation of the iconic cathedral, which was destroyed by a devastating fire in 2019.
The leaders first shook hands vigorously at Macron’s official residence, with Trump hugging the French prime minister from above in a bizarre gesture.
President-elect Donald Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants to “have a ceasefire” and “make peace” amid the ongoing war between Russia
The Republican also called Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (center) a “real live wire” after spending a lot of time with her at the opening of Notre Dame last weekend.
A second, even longer handshake took place at Notre Dame, where the presidents clasped hands so tightly that it almost looked like they were waving their arms back and forth.
The handshakes have been described as a ‘power move’ by online commentators, who pointed out that the couple had a history of such behaviour.
Accepting the invitation earlier this week, Trump wrote that the French prime minister “has done a fantastic job ensuring that Notre Dame is restored to its full glory, and even more.” It will be a very special day for everyone!’
He landed at Orly Airport in Paris on Saturday morning and, according to the French national police, has more than 20 French government security agents working with the secret service to help ensure his safety.
A special French police van also provided anti-drone protection for Trump’s convoy.
“President Trump is back to dominating world leaders with his handshake,” someone wrote on X.
“Macron needs a hand massage after all the twisting and pulling Trump put him through,” said another.
The Republican leader added that he is “formulating a concept on how to end that ridiculous war” between Russia and Ukraine
“Trump is going to pull out Macron’s arm when they shake hands tonight,” a third joked.
He told The Post that he shared a “firm handshake” with France’s leader.
‘He understands that. It’s just a good shake,” he added.
Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating ties with the newly elected president since he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris last month.
But his office nonetheless downplayed the significance of the invitation, saying other politicians not currently holding office had also been invited.
Trump was invited as president-elect of a “friendly nation,” Macron’s office said, adding: “This is not exceptional in any way, we have done it before.”
President Joe Biden was also invited but did not attend as White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre cited a scheduling conflict.
In his absence, First Lady Jill Biden attended along with their daughter Ashley, while Trump made a suggestive statement about his viral intimate moment with her.
Photos of the president-elect with the smiling first lady at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, sent social media users into a frenzy.
Many claimed Jill looked incredibly animated during the heart-to-heart – as the partisan pair leaned into each other and chatted in the City of Love.
And Trump, 78, has now monopolized the viral comments, implying that Mrs. Biden was attracted to him, sharing a screenshot of the moment on Truth Social.
First Lady Jill Biden attended with their daughter Ashley, while Trump made a suggestive statement about his viral intimate moment with her
He covered the photo of a beaming Jill Biden with the caption: “A scent your enemies cannot resist,” while endorsing his perfume brand “Fight Fight Fight.”
After seeing the loving images of the political duo online, internet personality Nick Sortor wrote on X: “Jill DEFINITELY voted for President Trump.”
Trump told The Post that the conversation he had with the first lady was “very nice” and that “she couldn’t have been nicer.”
‘It’s politics. You have to get used to it. She was very nice and we had a very nice conversation.’
He also shared a one-on-one moment with Prince William, where the future president was ‘parental’ towards him, according to a body language expert.
The Prince of Wales and the newly elected president were all smiles as they met at the British ambassador’s residence.
In what was his first meeting with a member of the royal family since his election victory last month, Trump praised William and called him a “good man.”
Expert Judi James told MailOnline: ‘Trump uses various touching rituals with William to suggest a friendly, almost parental approach, even adding some verbal expressions of support as if William needs his approval.’
Footage showed Trump affectionately touching William on the shoulder as they greeted each other at the reception of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Trump told The Post that he spoke to Prince William about his wife and father during their recovery from cancer.
The Prince of Wales and the newly elected president were all smiles as they met at the British ambassador’s residence
In addition to “having a good chat with the prince,” Trump also noted, “He looks good.”
‘I had a good conversation with the prince. And I asked him about his wife and he said she’s doing well. And I asked him about his father and his father fights very hard, and he loves his father and he loves his wife, so it was sad.
‘We had a good conversation for half an hour, just over half an hour. We had a great, great conversation,” Trump revealed.
He also nodded to the prince’s good looks, telling the outlet, “He looks good.”
‘He looked very handsome last night. Some people look better in person? He looked great. He looked very nice, and I told him so.’
Overall, Trump said he really enjoyed his time there, adding that “we got along great,” referring to the group of world leaders in attendance.
He noted that the group was “similar” to what he experienced four years ago when he was president, and that he hopes they can all come together to “set the world a little bit straight.”
As for the French cathedral, Trump was very honored to be there after the “very sad day in the world when it burned.”
“You know, it represented one of the ultimate places for religion and for Christianity, and I thought it was a very sad day. So I was invited by the Prime Minister and he treated our country very nicely, and he did a great job.”