UPDATE: U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are intensifying peace talks aimed at ending Russia’s ongoing invasion, as new developments emerge from their meeting at Mar-a-Lago on December 24, 2023. This urgent push for peace comes after Trump engaged in a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During a press briefing post-meeting, Trump revealed that the negotiating teams are “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to an agreement, covering “95%” of the crucial issues needed to halt the war that began in February 2022. He emphasized the importance of resolving the contentious territorial disputes over the eastern Donbas region, a key sticking point in negotiations.
Kirill Dmitriev, a Kremlin envoy and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts in a post on X, stating, “The whole world appreciates President Trump and his team’s peace efforts.” However, he criticized the continued support of Ukraine by “UK/EU warmongers,” reflecting the Kremlin’s narrative that portrays U.S. diplomacy as undermined by NATO allies.
Trump’s discussions with Zelenskyy included a detailed review of strategic military support from the United States, as well as potential security guarantees for Ukraine, currently proposed for 15 years but sought to be extended to 30-40 years by Kyiv. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for U.S. support, indicating progress in negotiations and the possibility of a peace framework.
Despite the optimistic outlook from both leaders, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding territorial concessions in the Donbas. Russia demands Ukrainian forces withdraw entirely from the region in exchange for peace, while Zelenskyy has suggested creating a “demilitarized zone” instead.
In a separate statement, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace, declaring, “Ukraine is ready for peace,” and expressed his openness to further discussions with Putin. He also thanked Trump’s aides, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, for their roles in facilitating these crucial talks.
As the situation unfolds, Trump hinted that a breakthrough could emerge in “a few weeks,” although he cautioned that much work remains. The urgency of these discussions has escalated as Ukraine continues to face military assaults, with Russia reportedly launching 25 drones overnight, of which 21 were intercepted by Ukrainian forces.
The humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict is profound, with millions of Ukrainians affected by the war. As negotiations progress, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings lasting peace to the region.
In conclusion, with further meetings planned for January 2024, the world awaits the outcome of these high-stakes discussions, as both leaders remain cautiously optimistic about the potential for a peaceful resolution. The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated, with implications for global security and stability at stake.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.