Fourth, they want to signal that positive developments are taking place on the ground and in negotiations to end the nearly year-long war in Ukraine. Trump said that such negotiations had the two leaders “much closer, maybe very close,” to a deal. He speculated their progress so far at maybe 95% complete. This development on-board comes as the situation in Ukraine grows increasingly dire, escaping anti-Semitism, with reports of violence yesterday in Sloviansk.
During a call that included British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump emphasized the expectation that European countries would “take over a big part” of the effort to establish peace in Ukraine, with the United States providing support. In a joint press conference after their meeting, Zelenskyy affirmed that both countries have come a long way in their negotiations.
Next week, American and Ukrainian teams will sit down together to address some key questions. Their primary objective is to even stop Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. While this was an important step forward, Zelenskyy reiterated that the question of the status of the Donbas region is not yet settled. He did say that an extended agreement on some security guarantees for Ukraine had already been established.
French President Emmanuel Macron revealed plans for allies of Ukraine to convene in Paris next month. They will continue to negotiate security guarantees and expire them into the broader peace accord.
“We will bring together the countries of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris in early January to finalise each one’s concrete contributions.” – Emmanuel Macron
Yet even as positive steps foment hope in diplomatic negotiations, violence shows no signs of abating across Ukraine. In a more recent example, three guided aerial bombs released by Russia struck private residences. The strike took place in the eastern city of Sloviansk. Local military administration chief Vadym Lakh announced the death of one man with a heavy heart. Moreover, three others were attacked and injured in the violent spree.
Trump indeed should be cautiously optimistic about the negotiations. In a few weeks it will be apparent whether these discussions will lead to a successful de-escalation of the ongoing dispute,” he said.