Trump Indicates Progress in Ukraine Discussions, But ‘Challenging Issues’ Persist

Progress in Ukraine Peace Talks: A High-Stakes Conversation

In a recent meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism regarding the ongoing efforts to resolve the Ukraine war. Both leaders emphasized that significant progress has been made, though Trump noted that “one or two very thorny issues” remain, particularly concerning territory. This candid acknowledgment reflects the complex dynamics that have characterized the conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Key Issues on the Table

Central to the discussions was the contentious question of territorial control. Russia has long insisted that Ukraine must cede land, particularly in the Donbas region, which remains largely under Moscow’s influence. Trump articulated this sticking point after the meeting, revealing that while progress was commendable, crucial disagreements lingered regarding territory.

US and Ukrainian officials indicated that they had reached consensus on 90% of a 20-point peace plan. Trump further remarked that the security guarantees for Ukraine were “close to 95%” finalized, showcasing a shared commitment to solidify Ukraine’s defensive posture amidst ongoing hostilities.

The Donbas Dilemma

The fate of the Donbas region is especially fraught. Trump mentioned a proposal to create a demilitarized zone in Donbas, but the issue remains “unresolved.” The region, consisting of Donetsk and Luhansk, has been a focal point of contention, with Russia currently controlling approximately 75% of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk. Ukraine, for its part, envisions a different future for this area, suggesting it could transform into a free economic zone under the protection of Ukrainian forces.

Despite shifting opinions from different parties, including the US, questions surrounding territorial recovery remain a sensitive subject. Trump’s past remarks suggested he believed Ukraine might reclaim lost territories, only for him to later clarify his stance. “That is a very tough issue,” he noted, underlining the complexities of addressing territorial disputes in a peace framework.

Talks and Future Engagements

Looking ahead, Zelensky announced that US and Ukrainian teams will convene next week to further discuss strategies aimed at ending Russia’s nearly four-year-long war. He characterized their recent dialogue as substantive, underscoring the importance of the collaborative efforts between US and Ukrainian delegations.

In a related development, Trump has floated the idea of trilateral talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine, indicating a willingness to explore diplomatic avenues further, “at the right time.” This suggestion highlights his desire to take a proactive role, potentially framing the Ukraine situation as a feather in his diplomatic cap.

Conversations with Russia

Intriguingly, prior to the Mar-a-Lago meeting, Trump had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While he offered few specifics, his belief that the Russian leader “wants Ukraine to succeed” raises eyebrows and questions about the underlying motivations guiding Moscow’s actions. Trump acknowledged Russia’s disinterest in a ceasefire that would facilitate a referendum in Ukraine, illustrating the deep-rooted challenges in reaching a lasting agreement.

Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov noted that the Trump-Putin call was initiated by the former US president and included discussions on the latest proposals from the EU and Ukraine for a potential ceasefire. Notably, both leaders expressed skepticism about the proposed ceasefire, fearing it could prolong hostilities rather than resolve the conflict.

International Support and Future Meetings

With the groundwork laid during these talks, Zelensky proposed that Ukrainian officials might visit the White House in January, potentially alongside European leaders. This collaborative initiative aims to finalize plans for ongoing peace talks, emphasizing a united front for Ukraine’s future security assurances.

European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron, echoed the sentiment of good progress, affirming that Ukraine must receive robust security guarantees from the outset. Macron has convened a meeting in Paris for early January to unite efforts from the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine, highlighting a coordinated international approach to the crisis at hand.

This dialogue presents a crucial moment in seeking resolution amidst a prolonged conflict, with layers of historical grievances and current geopolitical maneuvers shaping the path toward peace.