Trump and Zelensky Inch Towards Ukraine Peace Agreement, but Deal Remains Elusive
In the latest diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago. The leaders reported significant progress, but a comprehensive peace agreement remains elusive, with the question of disputed territories a key sticking point.
Background and Context
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, characterized by Russian attacks on Kyiv, has been a focal point of international diplomacy. President Trump, who previously promised a peace deal early in his presidency, hosted President Zelensky in Florida on December 28. The meeting followed extensive preparatory talks, which involved Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Key Developments
During the meeting, both leaders expressed optimism about the progress towards a peace agreement. Zelensky stated that an agreement was 90%
reached and hoped to establish peace soon. Trump echoed this sentiment, stating that all parties desired peace and that a deal was possibly very close.
However, he also acknowledged that one or two very thorny issues
remained unresolved.
According to Zelensky, the primary obstacle is territorial disputes, with the Ukrainian side reportedly saying no
hundreds of times during the negotiations. Despite this, President Zelensky expressed a willingness to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in any format and did not rule out the formation of a four-party working group, including Russia.
Implications and Reactions
Trump's meeting with Zelensky has sparked considerable interest and discussion. The U.S. President also held further talks with Putin, assuring the public that the Russian leader is serious about resolving the conflict. However, the prospects of another meeting with Putin are believed to hinge on settlement progress.
President Zelensky discussed the outcome of the meeting with Finnish President Stubb and announced plans for further meetings with European and American advisors. He also expressed hope for long-term security guarantees from the U.S., suggesting a 30, 40, or even 50-year term, and indicated that Trump was open to considering this proposal.
Various sources, including Al Jazeera English and Sky News world, reported that Trump and Zelensky hailed progress on a Russia-Ukraine peace plan. However, the New York Times highlighted that the joint U.S.-Ukraine proposal appeared unfinished, with Russia rejecting several ideas.
Current Status
While the peace talks have made significant strides, a comprehensive agreement is yet to be reached. The question of disputed territories continues to be a significant obstacle. Another round of talks between Trump and Zelensky is expected in Washington in January, according to Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov.
In the meantime, a meeting of the coalition of the willing is set to take place in Paris in January, with leaders like Emmanuel Macron expressing optimism about progress on security guarantees for Kiev. The world watches as the diplomatic chess game unfolds, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.