The peace talks between the US and Ukraine have entered another complex phase. Despite rumors circulating this week about a meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the White House denied this information. White House Press Secretary Caroline Livitt stated that a meeting between the two sides is not scheduled for this week.
"There is a hurry, an agreement needs to be signed"
Livitt stated that Trump wants the agreement to end the Ukraine-Russia war to be signed as soon as possible. He emphasized the need to once again convey the updated US plan to Moscow. The press secretary acknowledged that the negotiations are proceeding effectively, but there are still several points of disagreement.
Trump is putting pressure on two presidents
According to Livitt, Donald Trump has increased pressure on the Russian president and the Ukrainian leader to adopt a peace plan. He previously cited November 27 as the final date for signing the agreement.
At the same time, it was confirmed that the issue of Ukraine was also raised in Trump's conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping - but the main topics were US-China relations.
Zelenskyy may visit the White House next week
According to a DW source, if a mutual agreement is reached as a result of negotiations in Geneva, Zelenskyy will travel to Washington next week. This visit has not yet been formalized.
A "framework document" has been prepared in Geneva: the parties hope for this
The negotiations held in Geneva on the night of November 24 with the participation of the US and Ukrainian delegations were assessed as "effective." The two countries simultaneously announced the preparation of an "updated document on achieving peace." This statement was published on the website of the White House and the President of Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that the updated plan "has high potential for implementation." The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, also supported this idea, stating that the document will serve as a basis for further work.
Europe offered to ease restrictions - the US conceded
According to the Dpa agency, the changes proposed by Europe to protect Ukrainian interests are intended to significantly ease a number of requirements in the US plan. Later, sources from the Financial Times and the Washington Post reported that the US plan had been reduced from 28 to 19 points. It is not disclosed which substances were taken.
The WP emphasizes that the main part of the plan remains the initial US version. European proposals are "useful," but the main directions are determined by Washington.
What did the US plan require?
According to the initial document submitted on November 20:
- Ukraine's complete withdrawal of troops from Donbas;
- A sharp reduction in the number of troops;
- Abandoning long-range weapons;
- He should have postponed his intention to join NATO.
Conclusion: negotiations are ongoing, but the tension has not subsided
The views between the Trump administration, the Ukrainian leadership, and European allies have not yet fully aligned. But still, the steps taken in Geneva are seen ironically - as one of the most serious attempts to end the conflict.
Whether Zelenskyy's visit to the White House next week will take place or not depends directly on the next steps in the negotiations. The topic remains at the center of even stronger political processes.
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