Late in the evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump held a highly anticipated meeting. Despite delays, talks began around 8:30 p.m. Kyiv time. The two presidents shook hands, and the discussion was substantial and constructive. Trump described the negotiations as successful, while Zelensky's team reported that the 20-point peace plan was 90% agreed upon, with security guarantees at 100%.
Trump himself assessed the agreement at 95%. President Zelensky announced that new meetings between negotiators are expected in the coming weeks to finalize the peace settlement.
Political analyst Valeriy Klychok noted that the leaders did not quarrel, signaling Ukraine's willingness to continue the negotiation process, which was initiated by Russia. The so-called Trump peace plan of 28 points was, according to the expert, developed with input from the Russian side, hinting at Russia's interest in freezing the conflict on its terms.
Trump emphasized that any truce in Ukraine should be comprehensive and not temporary, a stance aligning more with Russian demands. For Ukraine, the negotiations remain complex, especially regarding the withdrawal of Russian forces from Donetsk region. Zelensky is considering involving citizens in decision-making through a consultative referendum.
Ukraine is in no rush, intending to coordinate next steps in January. Russia, acting cautiously, uses Trump’s mediation to influence the process, seeking not to derail negotiations but also not agreeing to an immediate ceasefire.
Fox News reported possible direct talks or a phone call between Zelensky and Putin following the meeting, though Kremlin spokesperson Peskov currently denies such plans. Analysts suggest such contacts are possible through Trump’s mediation to detail future peace agreements.
Trump also mentioned the possibility of visiting Ukraine to address parliament, but experts consider this unlikely, viewing his role mainly as a mediator.
The meeting underscored that the negotiation process continues under challenging circumstances, with major differences in approaches to a truce and territorial issues. The US is not interested in prolonging talks, but remains diplomatically cautious.
