Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on March 3, 2024, amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting aimed to finalize a revised peace plan that seeks to end the nearly four-year war with Russia. The timing of the meeting coincides with renewed Russian missile and drone assaults on Kyiv, highlighting the urgency of the discussions.
The meeting, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, follows intense negotiations between American and Ukrainian officials over the past weeks. Trump, who has been in Palm Beach since December, agreed to interrupt his holiday for this critical discussion. The peace proposal has evolved from an original 28 points to a more streamlined 20 points, reflecting the complexities of the negotiations.
Progress Amid Ongoing Violence
Intensive preparations have been underway, involving American envoys working to bridge gaps in the peace plan. According to American officials, significant progress has been made, with 90% of the terms reportedly settled. Zelensky confirmed this figure, stating, “It isn’t easy. No one is saying that it will be 100% right away, but we must bring the desired result closer with every such meeting.” The remaining 10% of the agreement, however, remains contentious, particularly concerning land concessions.
Russia continues to hold steadfast to its demands, including the full surrender of the eastern Donbas region. Despite this, Zelensky has indicated that he is open to discussions about concessions, emphasizing the need for a public referendum to approve any territorial changes in accordance with Ukraine’s constitution.
The unresolved status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe and currently under Russian control, adds another layer of complexity. Zelensky proposed that the plant be operated by a joint enterprise between the US and Ukraine, ensuring that half of its electricity output would serve Ukraine.
Strategic Security Guarantees
The meeting is expected to address crucial security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression once a ceasefire is established. American officials have been working on a robust package analogous to NATO’s Article 5, designed to deter further conflict and outline consequences for any violations of the agreement. A senior US official described these protocols as “the most robust set of security protocols they have ever seen.”
Trump expressed confidence in the potential outcomes of the meeting, stating he believes he can persuade Moscow to accept the proposed guarantees. Notably, Russia has shown some openness to Ukraine joining the European Union as part of a larger peace agreement.
As the meeting unfolds, there are no expected European leaders in attendance, setting this discussion apart from previous summits. Zelensky has been advocating for a meeting with Trump since their last encounter in October 2023, reflecting the urgency felt within Ukraine.
While American officials remain optimistic about the potential for a productive outcome from this meeting, they have not specified explicit goals. Zelensky has articulated a desire to establish a framework to end the conflict, underscoring the importance of security guarantees to ensure lasting peace.
The backdrop of escalating violence serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved. On the night preceding the meeting, Russian forces launched 519 drones and 40 missiles against Ukraine, emphasizing the challenges both sides face as they navigate the complex landscape of negotiations.