Trump Eases Ukraine Deadline, Progress Made on Peace Plan
In a significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump has withdrawn the November 27 deadline for Ukraine to agree to a U.S.-backed peace deal, according to Ukrinform and the Kyiv Independent. The president has stressed that the only deadline he recognizes is the end of the conflict, while also suggesting an extension of a week for the agreement.
Background
The 28-point peace plan, drafted by the U.S., has become a focal point of discussion among international leaders. It has ignited a flurry of negotiations involving the U.S., Ukraine, Russia, and other European allies, as reported by TASS, ANSA, and The New York Times. Trump's plan, which has been modified with additional input from both sides, is aimed at ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Developments
President Trump has emphasized tremendous progress
over the past week, stating that his team has made significant strides towards ending the war. According to Fox News and TASS, Trump's insistence on meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy only once the peace agreement is in its final stages or completed underscores the U.S.'s commitment to resolving the conflict.
While Trump has touted the progress of the negotiations, the peace plan has faced criticism. As per Clarin, if Ukraine accepts the conditions before Thanksgiving, the day could be seen as a victory for Russia. The Kyiv Independent also reported that Ukraine reiterates its 'red lines', including not legally recognizing Russian occupation or accepting restrictions on its army size or alliances.
President Zelenskyy, on the other hand, has largely accepted the proposed peace plan, as per TASS and ANSA. He has urged Trump for an immediate meeting to discuss the plan further.
Reactions and Implications
The peace plan has evoked strong reactions from both sides. According to TASS and BBC News, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev has been in the spotlight over the draft peace plan, spending days with Steve Witkoff in Miami. Trump has also been reported by TASS to have stressed that Ukraine should either like the U.S. plan or continue fighting.
On the European front, as per South China Morning Post and The Hindu, European leaders have expressed concerns about the peace plan and have scrambled to slow walk a Trump administration determined to give concessions to Russia.
Conclusion
As it stands, the deadline for Ukraine to sign the peace plan is not final, with Trump indicating a possible extension. The U.S. President has emphasized that he will meet with Putin and Zelenskyy only when the peace deal is in its final stages or completed. The 28-point plan, despite criticism, has been largely accepted by Zelenskyy, who has urged for an immediate meeting with Trump. As negotiations continue, the world watches closely for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.