Trump, Zelenskyy speak to reporters after meeting about Russia-Ukraine war | full video

Key Concepts

• Peace Framework: A 20-point plan aiming to end the war, with 90% agreement reached.
• Security Guarantees: US, Europe, and Ukraine are negotiating security guarantees, with US-Ukraine guarantees at 100% agreement and US-Europe-Ukraine guarantees nearly agreed upon.
• Military Dimension: Fully agreed upon aspects of the peace plan relating to military matters.
• Prosperity Plan: A plan for economic recovery and development, currently being finalized.
• Sequencing of Actions: The order in which steps will be taken to implement the peace framework, with security guarantees as a key milestone.
• Donbas Status: Discussions are ongoing regarding the status of the Donbas region, potentially involving a special economic or demilitarized zone.
• Referendum: Potential use of referendums to approve aspects of the peace plan, particularly regarding territorial issues.
• Zaporia Nuclear Plant: Discussions regarding the operation and safety of the plant, with Russia reportedly cooperating on its reopening.
• Working Groups: Establishment of working groups composed of US and Ukrainian representatives, and eventually including Russian counterparts, to finalize the agreement.

Discussions at Mar-a-Lago Regarding the Ukraine-Russia War

This transcript details a press conference held at Mar-a-Lago following meetings between former President Donald Trump and a delegation of European leaders, along with Ukrainian representatives, focused on achieving a peace framework to end the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The discussions involved significant progress towards a potential resolution, though several thorny issues remain.

I. Overview of Progress & Key Participants

Former President Trump opened the conference by highlighting the extensive discussions held with leaders from France, Finland, Poland, Norway, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, NATO, and the European Commission. He emphasized the “excellent” nature of the meetings and claimed substantial progress – approximately 90-95% – towards ending what he described as the largest war in Europe since World War II. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Steve Woodco, and Marco Rubio in facilitating the negotiations. President Zelenskyy’s representative expressed gratitude for the progress made by American and Ukrainian teams in recent weeks, specifically thanking Kushner and Witkoff for their “engagement and full commitment.”

II. The 20-Point Peace Plan & Security Guarantees

The core of the discussions revolved around a 20-point peace plan. The Ukrainian representative stated that significant achievements have been made, with the following levels of agreement:

• 20-Point Peace Plan: 90% agreed upon.
• US-Ukraine Security Guarantees: 100% agreed upon.
• US-Europe-Ukraine Security Guarantees: Almost agreed upon.
• Military Dimension: 100% agreed upon.
• Prosperity Plan: Being finalized.

Security guarantees were identified as a “key milestone” in achieving lasting peace. The plan involves a collaborative effort between the US, Europe, and Ukraine to ensure long-term security for the region.

III. Ongoing Challenges & Specific Issues

Despite the significant progress, several issues remain unresolved. Trump acknowledged “one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues,” but expressed optimism that a resolution is within reach. Specific challenges discussed included:

• Donbas Status: While not “agreed” upon, discussions are progressing towards a potential agreement regarding the status of the Donbas region. The possibility of a special economic or demilitarized zone was mentioned, but details remain unclear.
• Separation Line: The specifics of establishing a separation line in the Donbas region, including responsibility for its maintenance, are still under negotiation.
• Russian Demands: Russia continues to demand Ukraine relinquish control of the Donbas region, a point of contention in the negotiations. Trump noted this is an issue Ukraine and Russia must “iron out.”
• Referendum Possibility: The potential use of referendums to approve aspects of the peace plan, particularly regarding territorial issues, was discussed. The Ukrainian representative emphasized the need for infrastructure to support a referendum involving potentially millions of Ukrainians living abroad.

IV. Role of Russia & Potential for a Tripartite Meeting

Trump revealed he had a lengthy (approximately 2.5 hours) phone conversation with President Putin, describing it as productive. He stated Putin expressed a desire to see the war end and even indicated willingness to cooperate on reopening the Zaporia Nuclear Power Plant. Trump also suggested Russia would contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine, potentially providing energy at low prices.

The possibility of a trilateral meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy was raised, with both Putin and Zelenskyy reportedly expressing interest. Trump stated he would be open to addressing the Ukrainian parliament if it would facilitate a resolution.

V. Zaporia Nuclear Plant & Working Groups

The situation at the Zaporia Nuclear Power Plant was a key topic of discussion. Trump stated the plant is in “pretty good shape” and could be restarted “almost immediately.” He highlighted Putin’s cooperation in ensuring the plant’s safety, noting Russia has not targeted it with missiles.

To finalize the agreement, working groups will be established. These groups will initially consist of US and Ukrainian representatives (including Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, General Raisen Kane, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hakes) and will eventually include Russian counterparts.

VI. Timeline & Contingency Plans

Trump refrained from setting a firm deadline for reaching a final agreement, stating it could take “a few weeks” if things progress well, but could also fall apart. He emphasized the complexity of the negotiations and the possibility of unforeseen issues derailing the process. If an agreement is not reached, he predicted continued fighting and loss of life.

VII. Concluding Remarks & Historical Context

Trump concluded by reiterating his commitment to ending the war and saving lives. He also alluded to the impact of the “Russia Russia Russia hoax” on US-Russia relations, suggesting it hindered potential progress during his previous presidency. He expressed optimism that a resolution is possible, given the shared desire for peace among all parties involved.

Synthesis:

The discussions at Mar-a-Lago represent a significant attempt to broker a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. While substantial progress has been made on key aspects of a 20-point peace plan, particularly regarding security guarantees and the military dimension, several challenging issues remain, notably the status of Donbas and Russia’s demands. The establishment of working groups and the potential for a trilateral meeting signal a continued commitment to finding a diplomatic solution, but the outcome remains uncertain. The success of these efforts hinges on the willingness of all parties to compromise and address the remaining sticking points.