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Trump to push Zelensky to start talks, reject NATO membership — expert

Tetsuo Kotani also argued that, if Moscow and Kiev reach a ceasefire agreement, Washington will push for a negotiated settlement of the conflict

TOKYO, November 14. /TASS/. US President-elect Donald Trump will not halt military support for Ukraine during his new presidential term, but will set out two primary preconditions, says Tetsuo Kotani, senior fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs.

According to the expert, first and foremost, Trump will demand that Zelensky sit at the negotiation table to discuss a ceasefire with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Second, he will insist on shelving Ukraine’s plans to join NATO," he said, speaking to foreign journalists.

He also argued that, if Moscow and Kiev reach a ceasefire agreement, Washington will push for a negotiated settlement of the conflict.

At the same time, he expressed confidence that, during his second term in office, Trump will seek to withdraw from all ongoing conflicts, including in Ukraine and the Middle East.

On November 5, Trump defeated Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the presidential election. Additionally, the Republicans gained control of the Senate. Trump’s inauguration will take place on January 20, 2025.

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