European Leaders Engage in Peace Talks with Zelenskyy and Trump

This weekend marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts for peace in Ukraine, as European leaders will join a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump. The discussions on Saturday set the stage for Zelenskyy’s pivotal meeting with Trump in Florida on Sunday, where they will tackle some of the most complex elements of the peace negotiations, focusing particularly on security guarantees, recovery efforts, and territorial disputes.

The Upcoming Meeting

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, is scheduled to participate in Saturday’s call, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the commission. Zelenskyy has stated that their meeting will be “specifically intended to refine things as much as we possibly can.” He expressed optimism about the progress of the proposed 20-point peace plan, describing it as “90% ready.” “Our goal is to bring everything to 100%,” Zelenskyy remarked, emphasizing the strides made by both the Ukrainian and American negotiating teams.

Potential Referendum and Public Approval

In a recent interview, Zelenskyy indicated he might organize a referendum on the peace plan, contingent upon Russia agreeing to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days. He acknowledged the need to consult the Ukrainian public if he cannot achieve a “strong” position on territorial matters.

Escalating Tensions

As these discussions progress, tensions remain high. Early Saturday morning, Kyiv experienced powerful explosions shortly after Zelenskyy’s announcement regarding his meeting in the US. Reports indicate that the capital was targeted by Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles, and Kalibr cruise missiles, leading to injuries and destruction, particularly in the Holosiivskyi district. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that at least five individuals were injured and highlighted widespread power outages in the Brovary area. The Ukrainian Air Force also issued a nationwide alert regarding approaching drones and missiles across multiple regions.

Regional Military Readiness

The recent Russian strikes prompted Polish fighter jets to take swift action, leading to the temporary closure of airports in southeastern Poland, including Rzeszów and Lublin.

Diplomatic Landscape

The latest attempts at peace come on the heels of a flurry of diplomatic activity the previous weekend in Miami, where Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, met both Russian and Ukrainian representatives, as well as Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. The peace proposal under discussion is seen as a revised version of an earlier 28-point agreement established by US envoys and Russian officials weeks prior, which many regarded as favoring Kremlin positions.

Ukraine’s Security Concerns

Ukraine is advocating for security assurances based on NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense pact as part of any potential agreement with Russia. However, it remains uncertain whether Moscow would agree to these terms. In a recent interview, Trump expressed his expectations for a positive meeting with Zelenskyy but withheld endorsement of the Ukrainian leader’s plan, stating, “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it.” He implied that further evaluation would reveal the plan’s viability.

Russian Critique

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov publicly criticized Zelenskyy and European allies for their roles in shaping the peace negotiations. He remarked, “Our ability to make the final push and reach an agreement will depend on our own work and the political will of the other party.” Ryabkov pointed out that the proposal created with Zelenskyy’s input differs significantly from initial drafts developed by US and Russian officials, asserting that without resolving the underlying issues of the crisis, achieving a landmark agreement will remain elusive.

Conclusion

The upcoming call and meeting are crucial steps in the ongoing pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. With complex negotiations underway, the stakes are higher than ever as both leaders aim to finalize the peace terms amid escalating tensions.

• European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, join talks with Zelenskyy ahead of his meeting with Trump.
• Zelenskyy describes the peace plan as 90% complete, aiming for full consensus.
• Recent Russian missile strikes highlight the ongoing tensions in Ukraine.
• Diplomatic discussions are evolving amid public calls for transparency and approval.