Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky have addressed the media post their crucial summit. The US president and the Ukrainian leader convened at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to deliberate on the latest version of the 20-point peace proposal.
Trump expressed satisfaction with the meeting, describing it as “excellent” and indicating progress towards a resolution. He mentioned that although there are a few challenging issues remaining, significant headway has been made. Zelensky echoed similar sentiments, stating that the peace plan is on the verge of being 90% finalized, a figure consistent with his pre-meeting assessment.
When asked about the timeline for ending the conflict, Trump estimated it could be accomplished within a “few weeks” unless unforeseen hurdles disrupt the discussions.
Regarding specific aspects of the peace framework, Trump refrained from quantifying progress but emphasized closeness to a resolution pending the resolution of critical issues. On the topic of a “free economic zone” in Donbas, Trump noted ongoing discussions moving towards an agreement.
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s clear stance on Donbas differing from Russia’s position and expressed gratitude for the productive discussions with Trump, emphasizing the importance of security guarantees for enduring peace.
Both leaders also engaged with European counterparts, acknowledging their contributions to the peace process. They highlighted the significance of continued collaboration and reiterated their commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
The discussions are anticipated to encompass various critical topics, including the establishment of a demilitarized economic zone in Donbas and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
On the geopolitical front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued statements cautioning against potential European troop deployments in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for responsible decision-making in the region. Lavrov also acknowledged Trump’s efforts in peace negotiations but expressed reservations about Ukraine’s readiness for constructive dialogue.
In a related development, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and endorsed Trump’s efforts towards peace ahead of the summit.
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky is poised to commence shortly, with European leaders participating remotely. While Putin and Trump had a phone conversation, specific details were not disclosed.
Zelensky reported a detailed phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussing various strategic aspects ahead of the meeting with Trump and engaging with European partners.
The summit holds significance amidst escalating tensions, with discussions focusing on critical issues to pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict.