With Zelensky, Trump adopts an optimistic tone, but sees obstacles in the negotiation

United States President Donald Trump said on Sunday (28/12) that negotiations for a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine had made significant progress, but warned that the process remained “extremely complex” and could fail if unexpected impasses arise. In short, there was neither announcement nor definition, but promises.

The statements came after a two-hour meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

“In a few weeks, we’ll know one way or another,” Trump told reporters, alongside Zelensky. The Republican avoided setting a rigid timetable and stressed that unforeseen elements could jeopardize the entire agreement. “There may be something that you are not considering that becomes decisive in splitting the deal. It was a very difficult negotiation,” he said.

Despite the reservations, Trump called the meeting “excellent” and said negotiations for a cease-fire with Russia were already about 95 percent advanced. During the meeting, the two leaders also participated in phone calls with representatives of the European Union to discuss the latest peace proposal for Ukraine.

According to the American president, if everything goes as planned, the war could end in a few weeks. “If everything goes well, peace in Ukraine can be established in a few weeks. If everything goes badly, nothing will happen,” he said.

He nevertheless recognized that sensitive points remained unresolved, such as the situation in the Donbass region, which he described as “very complex”, although close to a possible resolution.

Russia can help rebuild Ukraine

Commenting on Russia’s role in the post-war period, Trump said President Vladimir Putin had demonstrated his willingness to collaborate in the reconstruction of Ukraine. According to him, Moscow wants to see the country “succeed” and would even be willing to provide energy at lower prices after the conflict ends.

Trump also said he considered it possible to hold a trilateral summit involving the United States, Ukraine and Russia at an “appropriate time” and confirmed that he had discussed with Putin the possible date and location of a new meeting. According to the Republican, most security guarantees for Ukraine should be the responsibility of Europe.

The US president also said that Ukraine will have to decide the final terms of a possible agreement by referendum or with the approval of Parliament. According to him, Zelensky allowed popular consultations on parts of the peace plan and the Ukrainian population tends to support an end to the conflict.