In full: Trump and Zelenskyy news conference after peace talks

Key Concepts

• Peace Framework: A 20-point plan aiming to end the war, with 90% agreement reached.
• Security Guarantees: US, European, and Ukrainian security guarantees are central to the peace process (US-Ukraine 100% agreed, US-Europe-Ukraine almost agreed).
• Military Dimension: Fully agreed upon aspects of demilitarization and security arrangements.
• Prosperity Plan: A plan for economic reconstruction and development, currently being finalized.
• Sequencing of Actions: The order in which steps towards peace will be implemented, with security guarantees as a key milestone.
• Donbas Status: A contentious issue regarding the future of the Donbas region, potentially involving a three-zone trade arrangement.
• Zapian Nuclear Plant: Discussions regarding the plant’s operation and security, with Russia reportedly cooperating on its reopening.
• Referendum: Potential use of referendums to validate aspects of the peace plan, particularly regarding territorial issues.
• Working Groups: Establishment of groups led by US and Ukrainian representatives to negotiate with Russia.

Discussions at Mar-a-Lago and Subsequent Press Conference

The press conference detailed discussions held between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside a group of European leaders and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The primary focus was on a proposed peace framework aimed at ending the ongoing war, described as the largest conflict since World War II.

Participants and Initial Remarks

President Trump began by listing the leaders involved in the discussions: President Emmanuel Macron (France), President Alexander Stubb (Finland), President Karol Noraki (Poland), Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store (Norway), Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Prime Minister Keir Starmer (United Kingdom), Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Germany), and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as key members of his team including Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Steve Woodco, and Marco Rubio. He characterized the meeting as “excellent” and stated that approximately 95% progress had been made towards ending the war. President Zelenskyy echoed these sentiments, thanking President Trump for hosting the meeting at Mar-a-Lago and acknowledging the progress made by American and Ukrainian teams in recent weeks.

Core Elements of the Peace Framework

President Zelenskyy outlined several key achievements within the peace framework:

• 20-Point Peace Plan: 90% agreement has been reached on the core components of the plan.
• US-Ukraine Security Guarantees: Fully agreed upon (100%).
• US-Europe-Ukraine Security Guarantees: Nearly agreed upon.
• Military Dimension: Fully agreed upon.
• Prosperity Plan: Currently being finalized.

The sequencing of actions was also discussed, with security guarantees identified as a crucial milestone for achieving lasting peace. Both leaders emphasized the need for continued work by their respective teams to finalize all aspects of the agreement.

Contentious Issues and Ongoing Negotiations

Several issues remain unresolved, requiring further negotiation. These include:

• Donbas Status: The future of the Donbas region is a significant sticking point. While a complete agreement hasn’t been reached, discussions are progressing towards a potential three-zone trade arrangement. President Trump stated that while an agreement wasn’t yet in place, they were “closer than we were probably want.”
• Russian Demands: Russia continues to demand concessions regarding the Donbas region, specifically requesting Ukraine relinquish control. President Trump acknowledged this demand, stating it was an issue the parties needed to “iron out.”
• Ceasefire and Referendum: The possibility of a ceasefire to allow for a referendum on the peace plan was discussed. President Putin is hesitant to agree to a ceasefire without assurances that fighting won’t resume, but President Trump expressed optimism that a solution could be found. President Zelenskyy indicated that referendums could be used to validate aspects of the plan, including territorial issues, and would be open to Ukrainian citizens abroad.

Zapian Nuclear Plant

The situation at the Zapian Nuclear Plant was a significant topic of discussion. President Trump stated that the plant is in “pretty good shape” and could be restarted “almost immediately.” He noted that President Putin is cooperating with Ukraine on reopening the plant and has refrained from targeting it with missiles, recognizing the danger it poses to all parties. The plant employs approximately 5,000 people.

Working Groups and Future Meetings

To facilitate continued negotiations, working groups will be established, composed of representatives from the US, Ukraine, and Russia. The US group will include Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, General Raisen Kane, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hakes. These groups will work together to address outstanding issues and finalize the peace plan. A future meeting is planned in Washington D.C. in January, bringing together European leaders and the Ukrainian delegation, hosted by President Trump.

Perspectives on the War and Russia’s Role

President Trump repeatedly emphasized his desire to end the war and highlighted the immense loss of life. He attributed the conflict to the 2020 election results, claiming that the war would not have occurred if the election hadn’t been “rigged and stolen.” He also discussed his previous relationship with President Putin, noting their ability to maintain communication despite the “Russia Russia Russia hoax.” President Trump believes that Russia wants to see the war end and is willing to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine, including providing energy at low prices.

Potential Outcomes and Contingency Plans

President Trump acknowledged that the negotiations could fail, leading to a continuation of the conflict. He expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached within a few weeks, but also cautioned that unforeseen issues could derail the process. If negotiations fail, he predicted that fighting and casualties would continue.

US Security Assurances and Financial Aid

President Trump stated that the US will support Europe in providing security guarantees to Ukraine, but emphasized that the US will not be directly funding the effort. He contrasted this with the Biden administration’s $350 billion in aid to Ukraine, noting that he secured a contract for the US to extract rare earth minerals from Ukraine.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump: “We covered somebody would say 95% I don't know what percent but we uh have made a lot of progress on ending that war.”
• President Zelenskyy: “We discussed all the aspects of the peace framework which includes and we have a great achievements 20 point peace plan 90% agreed.”
• President Trump: “Russia wants to see it ended. Everybody wants it ended.”
• President Trump: “If the election weren't rigged and stolen, 2020, you wouldn't have had this war.”
• President Zelenskyy: “Ukraine is ready for peace.”

Conclusion

The discussions at Mar-a-Lago represent a significant attempt to broker a peace agreement in the ongoing conflict. While substantial progress has been made on several key aspects of the peace framework, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding the status of the Donbas region and Russia’s demands. The establishment of working groups and the planned meeting in Washington D.C. signal a continued commitment to finding a diplomatic solution. The success of these efforts will depend on the willingness of all parties to compromise and address the remaining contentious issues. The emphasis on security guarantees and the potential for a referendum highlight the complex considerations involved in achieving a lasting peace.