Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky held a press conference after their crucial meeting. The US president and the Ukrainian leader convened at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to discuss the updated version of the 20-point peace plan.
Trump praised the meeting as “excellent,” expressing optimism by stating, “We covered various topics. I believe we are making significant progress, potentially nearing a resolution.” However, he acknowledged the presence of “one or two challenging issues” that still need addressing. Zelensky indicated that the peace plan is “90% agreed upon,” a figure consistent with his pre-meeting assessment.
Regarding the timeline for ending the conflict, Trump suggested it could be accomplished within “a few weeks,” barring any unforeseen obstacles disrupting negotiations. He refrained from specifying a percentage of progress but hinted at nearing a resolution once the remaining tough issues are settled.
When asked about the status of a “free economic zone” in Donbas, Trump mentioned that it remains “unresolved but approaching a resolution.” Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s firm stance on Donbas, emphasizing differences in position compared to Russia.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to Trump for their “productive meeting at this magnificent location,” highlighting discussions on all aspects of the peace framework. He reiterated the 90% agreement on the 20-point plan and emphasized the importance of security guarantees in achieving lasting peace.
Trump mentioned engaging with European leaders and described them as “outstanding leaders” following their discussions. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the meeting.
As discussions unfolded, Trump addressed a reporter’s query on security guarantees, dismissing it as a “silly question.” He reiterated the commitment to reaching an agreement and praised European nations for their support in the peace process.
The leaders shared a handshake and posed for photographs before diving into their discussions. Trump expressed confidence in Putin’s sincerity towards peace efforts and stressed the mutual desire for a swift resolution.
The meeting encompassed crucial topics, including the contested eastern Donbas region and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Zelensky’s arrival in Miami ahead of the meeting was captured in social media videos.
In parallel developments, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conveyed Russia’s perspective on the peace negotiations, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue from all parties involved. Downing Street also issued a statement affirming the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine and endorsing Trump’s involvement in securing peace.
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky, with participation from European leaders via phone, marked a significant step towards resolving the ongoing conflict. Discussions encompassed key issues and highlighted the shared commitment to achieving a lasting peace agreement.