On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, just hours before his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
"I just had a very positive and productive call with President Putin," Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, as echoed by the White House's account on X.
This call preceded a significant meeting with Zelenskyy, set for 1:00 pm Eastern Time, or 18:00 GMT. The aim of this meeting is to progress towards a resolution that could end the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a war nearing its four-year mark that has resulted in thousands of casualties, displacement, and severe economic ruin, as reported by NBC News.
Zelenskyy has indicated that the meeting will cover economic and security agreements, along with territorial issues, focusing on the future of the Donbas region, where Moscow and Kyiv hold steadfast, opposing positions.
The meeting comes amidst a backdrop of intensified Russian attacks on Kyiv, involving missiles and drones in the days leading up.
"Ukraine is prepared to do whatever it takes to stop this war," Zelenskyy wrote on X on Saturday, calling for a strong stance from Europe and the United States to exert pressure on Moscow. "We seek peace, yet Russia shows its intent to continue the conflict," he added.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new economic aid package over the weekend, totaling 2,500 million Canadian dollars, or approximately 1,800 million U.S. dollars, aimed at Ukraine's reconstruction.
Carney described the recent Russian attacks as acts of "barbarism" and emphasized the necessity for a "just and lasting peace."
Zelenskyy mentioned that the draft peace plan discussed with the United States is about 90% complete, though sensitive issues remain, such as security guarantees, funding for national recovery, and the status of occupied territories, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
From Moscow, the Kremlin has reiterated its demands. Putin insists that occupied areas in four regions of eastern and southern Ukraine, as well as Crimea, annexed illegally in 2014, be recognized as Russian territory. Kyiv has consistently rejected these terms as unacceptable.
Trump, however, has shown a willingness to consider territorial concessions as part of a potential deal, arguing that this might be the only way to convince Putin to halt the war.
Nonetheless, the U.S. President has acknowledged the complexity involved in reaching a final agreement in recent weeks.
Key Aspects of the Ukraine Peace Negotiations
What are the main territorial disputes in the Ukraine conflict?
The primary territorial disputes involve the Donbas region and Crimea, which Russia insists are part of its territory, while Ukraine rejects these claims.
What is the status of the peace plan discussed by the U.S. and Ukraine?
The peace plan is reportedly about 90% complete, but unresolved issues include security guarantees, reconstruction funding, and the status of occupied territories.
How has Canada contributed to Ukraine's reconstruction efforts?
Canada has pledged 2,500 million Canadian dollars, approximately 1,800 million U.S. dollars, to aid in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.