President Donald Trump's high-stakes efforts to broker an end to the Russia-Ukraine war have encountered a significant obstacle from within the Russian delegation, casting doubt on the immediate path to peace.
Mar-a-Lago Talks and a Russian Cold Shower
Following an hour and fifteen minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, which was initiated by the US side, President Trump hosted Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky for a three-hour meeting at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The discussions centred on a potential peace plan, with Zelensky reiterating his demand for a national referendum to authorise any territorial concessions to Russia. He argued that a minimum 60-day ceasefire would be required to organise such a vote, asserting that a deal without public backing would be illegitimate.
However, the momentum from these talks was swiftly undermined. Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy advisor to President Putin, told Axios that both Trump and Putin agree Zelensky's proposed 60-day pause 'will only prolong the conflict'. Ushakov claimed the two leaders believe Ukraine 'needs to make a decision about Donbas without delay', highlighting Moscow's apparent discomfort with any temporary armistice that could stall its territorial aims.
Trump's Confidence Amidst Complications
Despite the Russian pushback, President Trump expressed optimism after his lengthy meeting with President Zelensky. 'I do think we are getting a lot closer. We are very close,' he told reporters. He acknowledged Putin's hesitance towards a ceasefire but added, 'I understand that position. But I think we are finding ways to get around that.'
Trump also detailed further steps, noting that Ukraine's parliament would need to ratify any final agreement. 'I’ve offered to go and speak to their parliament,' he stated, though he hoped a deal could be sealed without requiring such an address. The American president revealed that the US and Ukrainian delegations see eye-to-eye on 95 percent of Zelensky's peace plan, with final negotiations slated for January.
Security Guarantees and Rising Tensions
The Sunday negotiations also tackled the critical issue of long-term security for Ukraine. Zelensky disclosed he had requested a 50-year security guarantee from the United States, akin to NATO's Article 5 mutual defence clause. The US counter-proposal, however, reportedly offered a draft guarantee lasting just 15 years.
The delicate diplomatic atmosphere was further strained by claims from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He alleged that Ukraine had launched over 90 drones at a residence owned by President Putin in the preceding two days, vowing that such actions 'will not go unanswered'. Nevertheless, he indicated peace talks would continue.
On Monday, Trump and Putin held another phone conversation, described by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as a 'positive call'. As the world watches, the path to peace remains fraught, balancing Ukrainian demands for democratic legitimacy against Russian pressure for swift concessions.
