Zelensky Indicates Upcoming Meeting with Trump
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine announced on Friday his intention to meet with President Trump shortly, as both Ukraine and the United States aim to maintain momentum in American-led initiatives to resolve the conflict with Russia. The White House did not provide immediate confirmation. Mr. Zelensky refrained from disclosing the specific time or location for the meeting—one he has pursued for several weeks—but suggested that it could occur in the coming days. “We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level — with President Trump in the near future,” he stated on social media. “A lot can be decided before the New Year.”This week, Mr. Zelensky presented an updated 20-point peace proposal, crafted with U.S. support, encompassing a wide array of topics, including security assurances that Ukraine desires to thwart future Russian aggression.Mr. Zelensky recognized that several significant obstacles in the negotiations, particularly regarding territorial matters, still needed resolution between Kyiv and Washington. However, an even larger challenge lies with Russia, which analysts believe is unlikely to accept the proposed plan.While a representative from Russia’s Foreign Ministry noted on Thursday that there had been “slow but steady progress” in talks with the United States, Moscow has shown minimal signs of willingness to conclude the hostilities.To highlight the contrasting stance from the rigid Russian position, Mr. Zelensky has been keen to demonstrate his full support for Mr. Trump’s peace initiatives and is prepared to make compromises, including on territorial concerns. The Ukrainian president stated that Russia should confront severe repercussions, including new sanctions and heightened Western military assistance for Kyiv, should it reject the latest peace overtures.Discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators have persisted following Mr. Zelensky’s introduction of the 20-point plan this week, indicating it would be conveyed by the United States to the Kremlin. In his evening address on Thursday, Mr. Zelensky mentioned that diplomatic efforts in the upcoming weeks could be “intensive.” He added that he had engaged in a nearly hour-long conversation earlier that day with Steve Witkoff, Mr. Trump’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law.“We went into many details; there are good ideas, which we discussed,” Mr. Zelensky noted. “We have some new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and, of course, timing on how to bring a real peace closer.”The 20-point plan emanates from the Trump administration’s recent surge of diplomatic activity, which began in the fall, with Mr. Trump initially establishing a deadline of Thanksgiving for Ukraine to reach a peace agreement with Russia.However, despite Mr. Trump’s assertions throughout the year that a resolution could be imminent, he has expressed frustration over President Vladimir V. Putin’s refusal to compromise on his extensive demands. These include Mr. Putin’s insistence on Ukraine ceding territory that Russian forces have thus far failed to seize, along with his request for Ukraine to accept conditions that would compromise its sovereignty.
Published: 2025-12-26 10:32:00
source: www.nytimes.com
