Trump Claims Envoy to meet Putin with Revised Ukraine Peace Plan
Donald Trump says he has instructed his special envoy, steve Witkoff, to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine.
The US president says his governance’s 28-point peace plan, which was initially criticised for heavily favouring Russia’s demands, has been “fine-tuned” and “there are only a few remaining points of disagreement”.
“I look forward to hopefully meeting with [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy and President Putin soon, but ONLY when the deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages,” Mr Trump wrote on social media.
Ukraine wants to move forward with the deal, according to Mr Zelenskyy, but he wants to discuss elements of it with Mr Trump and European leaders.
In a speech to the so-called coalition of the willing, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, the Ukrainian president urged European leaders to hash out a framework for deploying a “reassurance force” and to continue supporting Kyiv for as long as Moscow showed no willingness to end its war.
US and Ukrainian officials have been trying to narrow the gaps between them on new peace agreement plans, with Kyiv wary of being strong-armed into accepting a deal largely on the Kremlin’s terms.
A Ukrainian official earlier signalled support for the framework of a peace agreement with Russia, noting that some sensitive issues still needed to be resolved.
Russia strikes Kyiv amid diplomatic push
A spokesperson for US Army secretary Dan Driscoll said he and his team met with Russian officials across two days as part of a diplomatic push to get an agreement over the line.
“Late monday and throughout Tuesday, Secretary Driscoll and team have been in discussions with the Russian delegation to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine,” said US Army Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Tolbert, a spokesperson for Mr Driscoll.
Russia is continuing near-nightly drone and missle assaults on Ukraine.
Ukraine War: Aid Packages and Peace Talks Face Hurdles
Ukraine’s air force issued a countrywide missile warning in the early hours of Tuesday morning, local time. (AFP: Sergei Supinsky)
The provision of further aid to Ukraine is facing challenges,even as fighting continues. A $60 billion US aid package remains stalled in Congress due to political disagreements. European union leaders are considering additional support, but progress is slow.
According to a senior EU official, “EU leaders are looking at this in the next few weeks, where progress is being made.” This suggests a willingness to act, but doesn’t guarantee a swift resolution.
Though, French President emmanuel Macron expressed skepticism about Russia’s desire for peace. “There is clearly no Russian willingness to agree a ceasefire today,” he stated. He also noted that Moscow hasn’t shown any “willingness to discuss” the amended US plan to end the war in Ukraine following recent discussions.
These developments highlight the complex situation facing Ukraine. While international support is crucial, securing it is proving tough. Simultaneously, the lack of any indication that Russia is open to genuine negotiations casts doubt on a near-term peaceful resolution.
The ongoing conflict continues to have devastating consequences for Ukraine and raises broader concerns about European security.