Russian state media has declared that the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky represented a 'knockout victory' for Moscow. The talks, held at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on Sunday, were intended to advance the final stages of a peace deal to end the nearly four-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
During the meeting, Trump acknowledged that some territory had been taken by Russia and suggested that land could be 'up for grabs', urging Zelensky to make a deal. This stance has been interpreted by Russian state media as a win for President Vladimir Putin. Broadcaster Vladimir Solovyov claimed that Moscow had prepared 'on a grandmaster's level' and that Zelensky 'melted down' during the discussions.
Solovyov also alleged that a call between Washington and Moscow took place shortly before Zelensky's arrival, which he said 'completely destroyed Zelensky's plans'. While these claims should be treated with caution, they reflect optimism within the Kremlin that the deal will favour Russia.
However, Yuriy Boyechko, CEO of the humanitarian organisation Hope for Ukraine, criticised Trump's approach as 'dangerously detached from reality'. He argued that it treats Putin as a co-partner and signals that peace will come on Moscow's terms, rather than based on international law.
Trump has stated that Putin 'wants to see the war end' and has been 'very generous' towards Ukraine's success, even pledging Russian assistance with reconstruction through cheap energy. The meeting comes after a tense Oval Office encounter in February, where Zelensky left without signing a minerals deal following a shouting match with Trump.
