Former US President Donald Trump has held a significant meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, declaring that efforts to broker an end to the ongoing conflict are nearing a critical point.
Mar-a-Lago Summit Amid Ongoing Attacks
The high-stakes discussion took place at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. This diplomatic encounter occurred against a backdrop of continued Russian military assaults on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the sit-down, Trump struck a cautiously optimistic yet pointed tone. "I think we're in the final stages of talking," he stated, adding a stark warning that "otherwise it's going to go on for a long time."
Progress on a Detailed Peace Plan
President Zelenskyy provided concrete details on the state of negotiations, revealing that diplomatic teams from Ukraine and the United States have been working on a comprehensive blueprint. He indicated that 90% of a detailed 20-point peace plan has already been completed by the joint teams.
The leaders were set to discuss the remaining points, which include some of the most contentious and complex issues at the heart of the war. Notably, Zelenskyy confirmed that the agenda included the critical issue of territory, a central pillar of any potential settlement.
Trump's Assessment of Putin's Intentions
In a notable shift from previous rhetoric, Donald Trump also offered a view on Russian President Vladimir Putin's current stance. The former American president suggested he believes Putin is "serious about peace this time," hinting at a potential window for diplomacy that may not have existed before.
This meeting represents one of the most visible and high-profile efforts to find a diplomatic off-ramp to a war that has devastated Ukraine and reshaped global geopolitics. The claim of being in the "final stages" will be scrutinised by allies and observers worldwide, who await tangible results.
