Trump to Meet Ukraine’s Zelenskiy, Sees Deal Within Reach
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Davos, Switzerland. He expressed optimism that both Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin are nearing a potential agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Potential Ceasefire Agreement
During a discussion in Davos, Trump emphasized that negotiations to conclude the nearly four-year war are making progress. He noted that both leaders are now in a position where a deal seems “reasonably close.” Previously, both Zelenskiy and Putin had hesitated to finalize any agreements, but Trump believes the circumstances have shifted.
- Date of the meeting: Scheduled for January 22, 2020.
- Significance: Marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2020.
Challenges to the Negotiation
Despite his optimism, Trump acknowledged the “abnormal hatred” between Zelenskiy and Putin as a significant barrier to reaching an agreement. Last week, he labeled Zelenskiy as a key obstacle in negotiations. However, Trump reiterated that Washington is making strides toward brokering a ceasefire.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s comments reflect a shift in the diplomatic landscape, hinting at a possible resolution to the conflict. He stressed the urgency of stopping the fighting, urging both leaders to seize the moment for peace. “If they don’t, they’re stupid,” he added, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
As the date of the meeting approaches, international observers remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for peace in Ukraine. The outcome of this engagement will likely have significant implications for the region.
