Trump claims Russia-Ukraine peace deal near completion
Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine are close to reaching an agreement. The parties "should now meet, at very high levels, to 'finish it off'," Trump wrote. On Friday in Moscow, Vladimir Putin met with the US President's envoy, Steve Witkoff.
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump announced on the Truth Social platform that Russia and Ukraine are close to an agreement.
- On Friday in Moscow, a meeting took place between Vladimir Putin and the US President's envoy, Steve Witkoff. The talks aimed to reduce the differences in positions.
American proposals for a ceasefire include recognising Crimea as part of Russia, among other things. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the possibility of legally recognising the occupation of Crimea.
Will Russia and Ukraine reach an agreement?
Donald Trump, while in Rome, announced on the Truth Social platform that Russia and Ukraine are close to reaching an agreement. The US President emphasised that most of the key points have already been agreed upon, and both sides should meet at a high level to finalise the negotiations.
"Just landed in Rome. A good day in talks and meetings with Russia and Ukraine. They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to "finish it off." Most of the major points are agreed to. Stop the bloodshed, NOW. We will be wherever is necessary to help facilitate the END to this cruel and senseless war!" - reads Trump's post.
What are the terms of the ceasefire?
On Friday in Moscow, Vladimir Putin met with the US President's envoy, Steve Witkoff. The talks aimed to reduce the differences in positions between America and Russia. According to Reuters, American proposals for a ceasefire include recognising Crimea as part of Russia. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the possibility of legally recognising the occupation of Crimea, which is contrary to Ukraine's constitution.
Trump told reporters that Witkoff and Putin had "a pretty good meeting."
What does this mean for Ukraine?
In an interview with "Time" magazine, Donald Trump stated that Crimea will remain with Russia. He emphasised that Zelensky's exclusion of legally recognising the annexation of the peninsula is harmful to the peace negotiations. Trump noted that no one is asking Ukraine to recognise the annexation, but he also criticised Ukraine for the lack of armed resistance to the occupation of Crimea.
