Zelenskyy to Meet Trump as Peace Plan Nears Finalisation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans to meet with US President Donald Trump this weekend in Florida, as diplomatic efforts intensify to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy revealed in a press conference that the discussions will centre on security guarantees for Ukraine amid a proposed 20-point peace framework, which he stated is 'about 90% ready.' This meeting follows a series of diplomatic initiatives led by Washington aimed at halting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which commenced on February 24, 2022.

The announcement comes after Zelenskyy engaged in a productive dialogue on Thursday with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Trump. Zelenskyy indicated that the meetings will focus on critical issues concerning Ukrainian security and reconstruction. 'We are not losing a single day,' he mentioned, expressing optimism about the potential outcomes of the high-level discussions.

Earlier in the week, Zelenskyy proposed that Ukraine could consider withdrawing its forces from certain areas of the eastern industrial region if Russia reciprocates. His plan involves establishing a demilitarised zone supervised by international monitors, although Moscow has yet to signal acceptance of this proposal. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reported that negotiations were progressing slowly but steadily, although Russia continues to insist on certain demands, including Ukraine relinquishing control of territory in the Donbas region, which encompasses Luhansk and Donetsk.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing communications between Russian and US officials, indicating a willingness to continue dialogue after a recent meeting between Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev and US representatives. Peskov stated, 'It was agreed upon to continue the dialogue.'

Despite the ongoing discussions, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the feasibility of the proposed peace plan. Zelenskyy has consistently urged for security guarantees akin to NATO's Article 5, which mandates mutual defence among member states. However, it remains unclear whether Moscow would accept such stipulations.

Recent reports suggest a complex situation on the battlefield, with Ukrainian forces successfully pushing back against Russian troops in certain areas, including the city of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. This counteroffensive has raised questions about the accuracy of Russian military assessments on their progress in the conflict.

As both sides prepare for the upcoming talks, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the protracted conflict that has resulted in significant humanitarian crises and geopolitical tensions in the region.