**Ukraine This Week: Trump Meets Zelensky, Assad’s Regime on the Brink**
US President-elect Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. The meeting was part of a trilateral gathering of world leaders to reopen Notre Dame Cathedral.
The conversation between Trump and Zelensky came as Syrian rebels advanced towards Damascus. Rebel leaders claimed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had fled the city, but this could not be independently verified. Russian officials have made claims about controlling parts of Donetsk Oblast in Ukraine, but these have not been confirmed by Ukrainian authorities.
**Syrian Crisis Escalates**
Syrian rebels are making gains against pro-government forces in Damascus. This has led to speculation that Assad’s regime may fall within days. Five US officials told CNN that the Syrian capital could be taken over soon.
The collapse of Assad’s regime would have significant implications for Russia, which maintains a military presence in Syria. If Assad falls, Russia will lose its foothold in the Middle East.
**Ukraine and Georgia**
Zelensky met with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili to discuss escalating protests in Georgia. The Ukrainian leader expressed support for the Georgian people and condemned the Ivanishvili government’s handling of the situation.
**Russia’s Involvement**
US officials have warned that Russia is becoming increasingly involved in Ukraine, with attacks on residential buildings and a high number of casualties among Russian forces. Zelensky has called for more international pressure to stop Russian aggression.
**Assad’s Backers Weakened**
The collapse of Assad’s regime means that his backers – Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah – have been weakened. US officials are warning that this could distract Russia from its involvement in Ukraine.
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