Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held critical discussions on a peace plan for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine during a meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 7, 2024. The meeting aimed to address the ramifications of Russia’s aggression and the ongoing war, with both leaders acknowledging that “thorny issues” remain unresolved.
Zelensky arrived in Miami after a day of meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and amidst ongoing Russian drone and missile attacks in Kyiv and other areas of Ukraine. Following the talks, Trump indicated that it would become “clear in a few weeks” whether the discussions had yielded any significant progress.
While Zelensky stated that the peace plan was “90 percent” ready, he echoed sentiments that the situation had not advanced beyond prior discussions. Trump noted that there were “one or two thorny issues” that still needed to be addressed, which he hinted pertained to territorial disputes, particularly concerning the Donbas region. This area remains a focal point of contention, with Russia seeking control while Ukraine stands firm on retaining its territory.
In a separate statement, Zelensky confirmed that an agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine had been made, although Trump described it as being “95 percent” complete. The former President expressed hope that European nations would take on a significant role in this aspect of the negotiations, backed by the United States.
Zelensky also indicated that he was working to soften U.S. proposals regarding the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas, a Russian demand that would necessitate yielding territory currently held by Ukrainian forces.
Discussions included insights from other leaders, with Sir Keir Starmer participating in an hour-long call that underscored the urgency of securing robust security guarantees. A Downing Street spokesperson emphasized the need for collaborative international efforts to expedite peace talks.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined the conversation, expressing optimism about recent progress and reiterating the importance of “ironclad security guarantees from day one.”
During the talks, Trump praised Zelensky’s resilience, referring to him as “very brave,” while asserting that a successful deal would bring tangible economic benefits to Ukraine. Following their meeting, Trump engaged in a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking another attempt to navigate the complexities of the situation.
The Kremlin’s communication following the call suggested that both leaders agreed Ukraine must make timely decisions regarding the Donbas, and they expressed disapproval of a ceasefire initiative ahead of any settlement.
The ongoing dialogue reflects a renewed diplomatic effort as Zelensky noted that a two-week timeline could lead to significant decisions regarding the conflict. He remains optimistic that with the right support from allies, substantial progress can be achieved before the end of the year.
In a recent interview, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov remarked that Europe has become a key obstacle to peace following Trump’s re-election, illustrating the complex interplay of international relations in the conflict.
As negotiations advance, Zelensky is set to communicate with Western allies to maintain the momentum established in these recent talks. The focus remains on fostering a collaborative approach among nations to ensure a sustainable resolution to the conflict that has disrupted Ukraine and the broader region.
