Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently held talks in Florida, where they both indicated that progress had been made toward ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, Trump emphasized that “one or two very thorny issues” remain unresolved. While both leaders characterized the discussions as productive, the issue of territory continues to be a major sticking point. Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but ‘thorny’ issues persist, primarily concerning land control and security guarantees.
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Official guidance: USA.gov — official guidance for Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but ‘thorny
Key Developments
Zelensky stated that an agreement had been reached on approximately “90%” of a proposed 20-point peace plan. Trump echoed this sentiment, noting that a security guarantee for Ukraine was “close to 95%” finalized. Following the meeting, Zelensky announced that US and Ukrainian teams would convene the following week to further address outstanding issues aimed at resolving the nearly four-year war with Russia. He expressed his appreciation for the progress made in recent weeks by both the Ukrainian and American teams during these discussions. Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but ‘thorny’ issues still need to be addressed.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. A particularly contentious issue remains the proposal to transform the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, largely under Russian control, into a demilitarized zone. Trump acknowledged that this issue remains “unresolved.”
Territorial Disputes and Donbas Region
Trump highlighted the complexities surrounding territorial control, stating, “Some of that land has been taken. Some of that land is maybe up for grabs, but it may be taken over the next period of a number of months.” Currently, Moscow controls about 75% of the Donetsk region and approximately 99% of the neighboring Luhansk region. These regions are collectively known as Donbas. Russia seeks a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the remaining portion of Donbas still under their control, while Ukraine proposes that the area become a free economic zone policed by Ukrainian forces. Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but ‘thorny’ issues, especially relating to territory, persist.
The US president’s stance on Ukraine’s lost territories has varied, with a previous suggestion that Ukraine might be able to reclaim them followed by a reversal of that position. He acknowledged that this issue is “a very tough issue” but expressed confidence that it “will get resolved.” The complexities of the Donbas region and its future status continue to be a major obstacle in the negotiation process. Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but ‘thorny’ issues remain in the region.
Security Guarantees and Trilateral Talks
While Trump stated that security guarantees for Ukraine are “95% done,” he did not formally commit to providing logistical support or deploying troops to protect Ukraine from potential future attacks. He suggested the possibility of trilateral talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine, indicating that such a meeting could occur “at the right time.”
Despite his desire to add the Ukraine-Russia war to the list of conflicts he claims to have helped resolve, Trump cautioned that failed or abandoned talks could lead to a continuation of the war. He emphasized the importance of navigating these negotiations carefully to avoid a negative outcome. Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but ‘thorny’ issues could derail the process if not handled carefully.
International Reactions and Future Steps
Prior to the meeting with Zelensky, Trump had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While details of the call were limited, Trump expressed his belief that Putin “wants Ukraine to succeed.” However, he also acknowledged Russia’s lack of interest in a ceasefire that would allow Ukraine to hold a referendum. “I understand that position,” he added.
Russian foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that the phone call was initiated by Trump and that the two presidents discussed the latest EU and Ukraine proposals to end the war. Ushakov indicated that Trump listened to the Kremlin’s assessment of the proposals, and both presidents shared the belief that a temporary ceasefire proposed by the EU and Ukraine would prolong the conflict. Zelensky suggested a potential meeting of Ukrainian officials at the White House in January, possibly with European leaders, as US and Ukrainian delegations finalize plans for further discussions. Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but ‘thorny’ issues require continued diplomatic efforts. European leaders have also voiced their support for Ukraine.
Following the talks, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed “good progress” while emphasizing the need for “ironclad security guarantees from day one” for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Kyiv’s allies would meet in Paris in early January to discuss security guarantees, stating, “We will bring together the countries of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris in early January to finalise each one’s concrete contributions.”
In conclusion, while Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but ‘thorny’ issues remain, particularly concerning territorial disputes and security assurances, the discussions represent a step forward in the ongoing efforts to find a resolution to the conflict. Further negotiations are planned, and international involvement remains crucial to achieving a lasting peace.
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