Trump says Ukraine–Russia peace deal still faces major hurdles after talks with Zelenskyy
Trump, Zelensky say Ukraine peace deal 'very close' after Florida talks
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Donald Trump says talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have brought a potential peace deal with Russia closer, but major obstacles—especially territorial disputes and security guarantees—continue to stand in the way as fighting on the ground persists.
Washington, Dec 29 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that peace negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine were “very close” following what he described as a “terrific meeting” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
President Donald Trump stated that significant challenges still hinder a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia following recent talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy visited Trump at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago. They spent the day discussing a potential agreement to end the nearly four-year-long war. Trump mentioned that progress had been made and that most aspects of the deal were close to being finalized. However, he acknowledged that some issues remain very difficult to resolve.
One of the main points of contention is land. Trump suggested that Ukraine might eventually need to consider giving up some territory to Russia. He argued that ongoing fighting could lead to losing even more land. In contrast, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine must honor its laws and its people, making territorial concessions difficult. Although both leaders agreed on about 90% of a proposed 20-point peace plan, addressing disputed land remains the biggest challenge.
The negotiations also included Russia. Trump had a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin before meeting Zelenskyy. He described the conversation as productive and stated that he plans to speak with Putin again. It is still unclear whether Putin would accept any deal, as Russian officials have shown little willingness to compromise while continuing military attacks on Ukraine.
The proposed peace plan outlines security guarantees to protect Ukraine from future attacks, allows Ukraine to maintain a strong military, offers support for economic rebuilding, and includes steps toward European Union membership. Zelenskyy noted that security guarantees are the most critical part of any agreement. Trump admitted that the specifics of these guarantees are still being discussed, with European nations expected to play a key role.
Despite the uncertainty, both leaders expressed cautious optimism. Zelenskyy described the talks as constructive and mentioned that a follow-up meeting involving European leaders might happen in January. However, ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks, along with disagreements over regions like Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, continue to complicate efforts to end the war.
One of the main points of contention is land. Trump suggested that Ukraine might eventually need to consider giving up some territory to Russia. He argued that ongoing fighting could lead to losing even more land. In contrast, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine must honor its laws and its people, making territorial concessions difficult. Although both leaders agreed on about 90% of a proposed 20-point peace plan, addressing disputed land remains the biggest challenge.
The negotiations also included Russia. Trump had a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin before meeting Zelenskyy. He described the conversation as productive and stated that he plans to speak with Putin again. It is still unclear whether Putin would accept any deal, as Russian officials have shown little willingness to compromise while continuing military attacks on Ukraine.
The proposed peace plan outlines security guarantees to protect Ukraine from future attacks, allows Ukraine to maintain a strong military, offers support for economic rebuilding, and includes steps toward European Union membership. Zelenskyy noted that security guarantees are the most critical part of any agreement. Trump admitted that the specifics of these guarantees are still being discussed, with European nations expected to play a key role.
Despite the uncertainty, both leaders expressed cautious optimism. Zelenskyy described the talks as constructive and mentioned that a follow-up meeting involving European leaders might happen in January. However, ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks, along with disagreements over regions like Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, continue to complicate efforts to end the war.