A crucial summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump took place at Mar-a-Lago, with Trump describing the current phase of the Russia-Ukraine war negotiations as a “final stage.” He warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to further prolonged conflict and significant loss of life.
Trump expressed confidence in President Putin’s willingness to negotiate, stating, “I think they both are… They have to make a deal… Too many people died, and both presidents want to make a deal.” This sentiment was bolstered by a recent “very productive” phone call Trump had with the Russian leader.
The former president indicated that the preliminary structure of a deal is discernible. He previously stated he had “settled eight wars” and considers this the most challenging, yet expressed determination to “get it done.” Trump also lauded President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people for their courage and endurance during the crisis.
Following the Mar-a-Lago discussions, Trump plans to reconnect with President Putin to continue the complex, yet he believes, manageable peace process. The urgency is heightened by a recent Russian offensive in Kyiv that resulted in casualties, underscoring the need for a diplomatic resolution, potentially involving European nations in a security pact.