Vladimir Zelensky and Donald Trump during a meeting in Florida. Photo: Reuters / Jonathan Ernst.
On December 28, Donald Trump held talks with the Ukrainian and Russian leaders to expedite the peace settlement process between Moscow and Kyiv, Reuters reports.
- Trump stated that he and Vladimir Zelensky have "significantly come closer, possibly very close" to an agreement on halting military actions in Ukraine, although the fate of Donbas remains unresolved.
- After the meeting, which took place on Sunday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, the two presidents held a joint press conference where they discussed progress on security issues for Ukraine and the situation in Donbas. However, they did not provide specific timelines for reaching a peace agreement, although Trump noted that "in a few weeks" it would become clear whether this would lead to the end of the conflict. He also mentioned the need to resolve several "acute" territorial issues.
- Zelensky reported that an agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine has already been reached, while Trump emphasized that the parties are close to 95% agreement on this issue and expects European countries to take on a significant portion of the commitments with U.S. support.
- French President Emmanuel Macron, commenting on the meeting, spoke of progress in security guarantees and announced an upcoming meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" countries in Paris to coordinate specific proposals.
- Earlier, Zelensky expressed hope for the possibility of softening U.S. demands for the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas, which would be a condition for Russia. Meanwhile, Kyiv aims to establish the lines of demarcation at the current positions of hostilities.
- Although Trump and Zelensky stated that the future of Donbas remains uncertain, Trump noted that discussions are moving in the right direction. The U.S. proposed creating a free economic zone in case Ukraine leaves this region, but it is unclear how this will be implemented in practice. "This is a very complex issue," Trump added.
- The leaders also did not disclose details of the agreements reached regarding Ukraine's security after the war, which Zelensky called "a key moment on the path to lasting peace."
- Zelensky emphasized that any peace agreement must be approved by the Ukrainian parliament or put to a referendum. Trump expressed willingness to speak in parliament if it helps solidify the agreement.
Before the meeting with Zelensky, Trump discussed the situation with Putin
Before Zelensky's arrival at Trump’s residence, the U.S. president had a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin, which he characterized as "productive." Putin's aide for foreign policy, Yuri Ushakov, described it as "friendly."Ushakov reported that Putin warned Trump that the 60-day ceasefire proposed by the EU and Ukraine would only prolong the conflict. He also noted that Ukraine must make a decision on Donbas "without further delay." According to Trump, the conversation lasted more than two hours, and the Russian president promised to assist in the reconstruction of Ukraine, including through the supply of cheap energy. "Russia wants to see Ukraine successful," Trump added at the press conference with Zelensky. He also stated that he would contact Putin again after the meeting with Zelensky.
Discussion of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
The issue of joint control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was also discussed. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), work has begun at the plant to restore power lines following another local ceasefire achieved through the agency's mediation.Trump stated that negotiations are progressing regarding the future of the plant, which could "resume operations almost immediately." The president noted that it is important that Russia has not attacked this facility.
