Trump says Ukraine and Russia closer than ever to peace deal after meeting Zelenskyy
Palm Beach, December 29. US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Ukraine and Russia are closer than ever to reaching a peace agreement. The President made these remarks while hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his resort in Florida, although he acknowledged that the negotiations remain complex. He admitted that the possibility of the talks failing cannot be ruled out, which could result in the war continuing for years.
These statements were made following discussions between the two leaders. As per agency report, Trump mentioned that prior to this meeting, he had a very good telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin that lasted for two and a half hours. The US President expressed his belief that Putin still desires peace, even though Russia launched fresh attacks on Ukraine while Zelenskyy was departing for the United States to participate in the talks.
During a press conference, Trump and Zelenskyy noted that several complicated issues remain unresolved, including the question of what will happen to Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russia and how to ensure security assurances for Ukraine to prevent future aggression. Following their discussion, the two leaders spoke via telephone with several European leaders, including the President of the European Commission as well as the leaders of Finland, France, Germany, Britain, and Poland.
Zelenskyy stated that Trump has agreed to host another meeting of European leaders in January, which will likely take place at the White House, although Trump suggested the meeting could be held in Washington or elsewhere. Expressing gratitude for Trump's efforts, Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine is ready for peace. Trump indicated that he plans to speak with Putin again following his meeting with Zelenskyy.
Earlier on Sunday, Putin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov stated that the initiative for the phone conversation between Trump and Putin came from the United States and described the interaction as friendly, constructive, and business-like. According to Ushakov, Trump and Putin agreed to speak again shortly after the meeting with the Ukrainian President. Trump reiterated that Russia and Ukraine are gradually moving closer to an agreement, describing the matter as a very complex issue but expressing confidence that a solution will be found.
