Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held consultations in Canada with European allies ahead of pivotal talks with Donald Trump in Florida.At the December 27 meetings, security guarantees for Ukraine and a 20-point peace plan were the main topics. Meanwhile, Moscow is reacting sharply to developments.
Canada meeting: Europe’s unified stance
On his way to Florida, Zelensky stopped in Canada and spoke via video link with leaders of key European countries (Germany, France, Poland and others) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
- Plan 90% ready: According to Zelensky, most of the 20-point peace document to be discussed with Trump has already been agreed.
- Security guarantees: As Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted, guarantees for Ukraine are a safeguard not only for Kyiv but for Europe’s security as a whole.
- Sensitive issues: The remaining 10% still unresolved includes highly sensitive topics such as the status of Donbas and control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Putin on the front line: new reports
That same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a military command post and received a report on recent gains.
- Captured cities: General Valery Gerasimov told Putin that Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia and Myrnohrad in Donetsk had come under Russian control.
- In military uniform: Putin’s increasingly frequent appearances in military attire (four times since October) are seen by experts as Russia ramping up military pressure ahead of negotiations.
Lavrov’s warning: “legitimate target”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with TASS, issued a sharp response to Europe’s plans to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine.
- On peacekeepers: Lavrov again warned that if the EU deploys a military contingent to Ukraine, it would become a “legitimate target” for the Russian army.
- Obstacle to talks: According to the minister, the EU’s stance remains the main obstacle on the path to peace.
- Russia’s response: Lavrov stressed that Russia does not intend to attack anyone, but any response to aggression would be “crushing.”
Rising tensions
The situation is highly volatile on both the diplomatic and military fronts. Zelensky hopes to “resolve a lot before the New Year” with Trump, while the Kremlin seeks to cement battlefield advantages to enter talks from a stronger position.
Do you think Trump’s “peace plan” can be neutral enough to satisfy both sides?
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