UPDATE: Donald Trump has just announced that a US-backed peace deal between Ukraine and Russia is “closer than ever before” following high-stakes talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Both leaders acknowledged persistent “thorny issues” but expressed optimism about reaching a resolution.
During a joint press conference, Trump revealed that discussions surrounding a crucial security guarantee for Ukraine are “close to 95%” complete. “I really believe we’re probably… closer than ever before – with both parties,” Trump stated, emphasizing the collaborative effort in addressing the ongoing conflict.
The urgency of the situation is amplified by the looming January 2024 meetings, where Trump is set to host European leaders and a Ukrainian delegation for further discussions. This follows a conference call with NATO chief Mark Rutte and European leaders, including UK’s Sir Keir Starmer, which underscores the international commitment to securing peace.
Zelensky highlighted that the draft peace plan includes a US commitment mirroring NATO’s Article 5, ensuring that any attack on Ukraine would trigger a collective military response from the US and its allies. He mentioned that the 20-point draft plan is approximately 90% agreed upon, with security guarantees from the US marked at “100% agreed” and US-Europe-Ukraine guarantees “almost agreed.”
However, complex issues remain. Trump pointed out that the creation of a free trade zone in the disputed Donbas region is a significant unresolved matter. Zelensky has indicated willingness to withdraw troops from this eastern industrial heartland, conditional on Russia also pulling back, establishing a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces.
When asked about the potential for a free economic or demilitarized zone in Donbas, Zelensky emphasized the necessity for public approval. “Our society has to choose and has to vote, because it’s their land, the land not of one person,” he said, acknowledging the logistical challenges in organizing a referendum that might include diaspora votes.
As tensions persist, Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to agree to a ceasefire to facilitate any referendum. Trump, who spoke with Putin earlier on the same day, claimed that the Russian leader is “very serious” about pursuing peace, despite ongoing attacks on Ukraine.
European leaders, including Macron, have insisted that robust security guarantees must be part of any deal, with discussions around maintaining a peacetime military of 800,000 troops for Ukraine and potential EU membership.
Sir Keir Starmer reiterated the urgency of the matter, stressing the importance of sustaining momentum in peace talks. “The Prime Minister emphasised the UK’s commitment to working closely with partners to sustain momentum in the coming days,” Downing Street reported.
As these developments unfold, the world watches closely. The potential for a peace agreement could reshape international relations and bring an end to a conflict that has drastically affected millions. The upcoming January meetings and ongoing negotiations are critical, and all eyes will be on how leaders navigate these “thorny issues” to secure a lasting peace.
