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Anticipating Risky Discussions with Trump in Washington Looms for Zelensky

Trump pursues swift peace agreement, not temporary truce. Putin maintains firm stance during discourse in Alaska. Zelensky's previous visit to DC results in catastrophe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky embarks on a trip to Washington on Monday under significant American pressure to...

Prepares for potentially risky discussions with Trump in Washington, as reported
Prepares for potentially risky discussions with Trump in Washington, as reported

Anticipating Risky Discussions with Trump in Washington Looms for Zelensky

In a series of high-stakes diplomatic maneuvers, US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin are engaged in talks aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Last week, Trump invited Zelensky to Washington for discussions, following his meeting with Putin in Alaska. The Alaska talks, however, failed to produce a ceasefire, and Trump now seeks a rapid, full-fledged peace deal.

Zelensky is scheduled to fly to Washington for talks with Trump, with the negotiations under heavy pressure for a swift end to Russia's war in Ukraine. The talks are crucial for Zelensky to preserve relations with the US, which still provides military assistance and is the key source of intelligence on Russia's military activity.

Trump and US envoy Steve Witkoff told Zelensky that Putin said there could be no ceasefire before Ukrainian troops withdraw, and that Putin could pledge not to launch new aggression against Ukraine as part of an agreement. However, Zelensky has publicly dismissed the idea of withdrawing from internationally recognised Ukrainian land as part of a deal.

In a call with Zelensky, Trump briefed the Ukrainian leader on his talks with Putin, emphasising the need for a peace deal. Trump also told Zelensky that Russia is a very big power and they should accept a peace deal.

European leaders have been involved in discussions regarding potential security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to the transatlantic NATO alliance's mutual support pledge. A proposed layered approach includes a civilian monitoring mission to stabilize any potential ceasefire, patrolled by an organization both Ukraine and Russia can accept, such as the Organization of Turkic States or the Gulf Cooperation Council.

An "Article 5-like" framework for Ukraine, offering collective security guarantees akin to those provided by NATO, is also being considered. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insists that any such guarantees must involve Moscow directly, suggesting a veto over Ukraine's defense arrangements.

While NATO membership is considered the most effective long-term security guarantee, it is not currently supported by everyone, including President Trump, who has also ruled out US troops on Ukrainian soil.

Zelensky is determined to defend Kyiv's interests without causing another Oval Office showdown with Trump. However, the industrial Donetsk region serves as a fortress holding back Russian advances deeper into Ukraine, and full withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions is not possible, according to Trump.

As the negotiations continue, European leaders are seeking details on what kind of US role is envisaged in these potential security guarantees. It remains to be seen how these complex negotiations will unfold and whether they will lead to a lasting peace in Ukraine.

[1] Source: Reuters [2] Source: The Guardian

  1. As the discussions progress, general news outlets are closely monitoring the ongoing negotiations between Trump, Zelensky, and Putin, focusing particularly on the resolution of war-and-conflicts in Ukraine.
  2. Amidst the talks, politics also play a significant role as Zelensky aims to preserve relations with the US, while emphasizing the significance of Ukraine's territorial integrity in news related to war-and-conflicts.

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