Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the media after their significant meeting. The US president and his Ukrainian counterpart convened at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to deliberate on the latest version of the 20-point peace proposal.
Trump praised the meeting as “excellent,” stating, “We covered numerous points. I believe we are nearing an agreement, possibly very close.” He mentioned the presence of “one or two challenging issues” that still require resolution. Zelensky indicated that the peace plan is “90 percent settled,” aligning with his pre-meeting assessment.
Trump estimated that concluding the war might take “a few weeks” unless unforeseen obstacles arise. He refrained from specifying a progress percentage, hinting at being “very close” pending the resolution of “one or two challenging issues.”
Regarding the “free economic zone” in Donbas, Trump noted it remains “unresolved but progressing.” Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s distinct position on Donbas compared to Russia.
Expressing gratitude for the meeting, Zelensky appreciated Trump for the discussions on the comprehensive peace framework, emphasizing the 90 percent alignment on the 20-point peace plan. Zelensky emphasized the significance of security guarantees as a pivotal step towards enduring peace.
Trump mentioned engaging with European leaders, emphasizing the positive exchanges with them. He reiterated the meeting’s success and progress made on various points of discussion.
The two leaders shook hands and posed for photos before their meeting, with Trump fielding questions from reporters. He expressed optimism about the peace deal’s advanced stage and the shared desire with Ukraine and Russia to conclude the conflict swiftly.
As the meeting unfolded, key issues discussed included Zelensky’s proposals and Trump’s call with Putin. Both leaders acknowledged the necessity for Ukraine to make crucial decisions for peace in the eastern Donbas region.
European leaders participated in the meeting through phone conferencing, with Putin and Trump also engaging in a phone call, the specifics of which remain undisclosed. Zelensky highlighted his detailed discussion with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on preparations for the meeting and ongoing negotiations with European partners.
Projections indicate discussions on the contested Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, among other topics. Zelensky’s arrival in Miami for the meeting garnered attention on social media, highlighting the significance of the diplomatic engagement.
Amidst these developments, Russian perspectives on Ukraine’s anti-Russia stance and potential military actions stirred debates, underscoring the geopolitical complexities surrounding the conflict. Russian propagandist Sergey Mikheyev’s controversial remarks on potential nuclear strikes against Ukraine and Europe added a layer of tension ahead of the Trump-Zelensky meeting.
In a broader context, these unfolding events underscore the intricate diplomatic maneuvers and high-stakes negotiations shaping the efforts towards peace in the region.