Negotiations Continue Amidst Territorial Disputes in Ukraine
The ongoing conflict over occupied regions in Ukraine is proving to be a significant hurdle in the discussions between Kiev and Russia, even as President Donald Trump aims to mediate a resolution. Following a meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hinted at possible progress towards a peace agreement with Moscow.
Zelenskiy shared with Fox News that they were close to a deal, stating, “we have come very close today with just one question.” He identified the remaining issue as territory, adding, “I think there’s one problem, and that’s territorial.”
Despite months of negotiation, key territorial challenges remain. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently emphasized that Western nations should accept Russia’s prevailing stance in the conflict.
President Zelenskiy has been hesitant to concede territory to Russia, which has occupied parts of Ukraine since the start of the war back in 2022. He has hinted that Ukraine might consider withdrawing from areas like Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, but insists this would depend on a referendum among Ukrainian voters.
Zelenskiy expressed cautious optimism, saying, “I think the compromise is to realize the free economic zone that we have and move back a few kilometers. That means Russia needs to move back a few kilometers.” He noted that specific regulations would govern this economic zone, suggesting that a referendum would determine acceptance of such terms.
He also conveyed his skepticism about Putin’s intentions, asserting, “I don’t trust President Putin. He doesn’t want Ukraine to succeed.” Zelenskiy implied that while Putin may communicate positively to Trump, his actions reveal a different reality.
After meeting with Trump, Zelenskiy mentioned that Russia had tentatively agreed to 90% of a proposed plan consisting of twenty points, though he acknowledged that Russia showed no inclination to relent on its territorial aspirations.
This meeting transpired after Trump had a phone conversation with Putin, where both leaders acknowledged the necessity of reaching an agreement to conclude Europe’s longest war, now ongoing for around 80 years. It’s worth noting that this meeting followed a Russian attack on Kiev, with reports suggesting that a Ukrainian drone targeted Putin’s residence in Novgorod, a claim that Ukraine has denied.
