Trump meets Zelensky, European leaders on Ukraine crisis – Global Times
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear once again: protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and securing strong, long-term security guarantees remain his top priorities in any peace talks with Russia. But he also admitted that one issue towers over all others — territory.
Speaking in Paris after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky said “the territorial issue is the most difficult”. Russia continues to insist that Ukraine must surrender the parts of eastern Donbas it still controls. Kyiv’s stance remains firm: those territories are not up for negotiation.
U.S. and Ukraine Rework Peace Plan
While Zelensky met European leaders, Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators wrapped up two days of talks in Florida. The goal: revise an earlier peace plan widely criticized for leaning too much in Moscow’s favor.
The White House sounded upbeat, saying it feels “very optimistic” about progress. Zelensky, however, kept expectations realistic, calling the talks “very constructive” but stressing that several tough issues still remain.
U.S. Envoy Set to Meet Putin
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who participated in the Florida talks, is now traveling to Russia. He’s scheduled to meet President Vladimir Putin, alongside Jared Kushner — former President Trump’s son-in-law and adviser.
Witkoff has already spoken with Zelensky, Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov. He’s expected to deliver the latest updates from the discussions directly to Putin.
Putin recently claimed that the U.S. had shown Russia a new draft peace proposal, calling it a possible “basis” for a future agreement.
Europe Seeks a Bigger Role
The original U.S.–Russia draft plan, circulated in November, caused widespread concern in Kyiv and across Europe. Not only did it tilt toward Russia’s demands, it also included controversial rules on frozen Russian assets held in Europe and Ukraine’s access to European markets.
President Macron stressed that no final peace plan exists yet — and emphasized that Ukraine and European nations must help shape any proposal.
According to him, questions such as territorial boundaries, frozen Russian assets, and Ukraine’s security guarantees must involve Europe.
Despite disagreements, Macron acknowledged efforts by Donald Trump’s team to push for an end to the war. Still, he reminded reporters that Russia has repeatedly rejected ceasefire opportunities: “They don’t seem in a rush.”
Major Sticking Points: Territory and Security
Two issues remain at the center of the conflict:
- Territory – Ukraine refuses to give up any of its land; Russia insists it must.
- Security guarantees – Ukraine wants NATO-level protection to prevent future attacks. Moscow strongly opposes this, and Trump has also ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine.
War Continues on the Ground
Even as diplomatic efforts intensify, fighting has not slowed.
On Monday morning, a Russian missile strike on the city of Dnipro killed four people and injured at least 40. Videos online showed a massive explosion near a motorway, with cars, shops, and an office building badly damaged.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine wants peace — but a fair one.
“We are trying to end this war with all our might and to end it in a dignified manner,” he said. “Russia must end this war that it started.”
Political Turmoil in Kyiv
These diplomatic efforts come at a time of political turbulence in Ukraine. Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak — who also led peace talks — resigned after anti-corruption investigators raided his home. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Two cabinet ministers were also dismissed.
President Trump commented on the developments, saying Ukraine had “some difficult little problems”, and repeated his belief that both Ukraine and Russia want the war to end.
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