War in Ukraine: Trump and Zelensky say they are close to peace, but there are still impasses to an agreement In a sign that obstacles persist for peace to be achieved between Ukraine and Russia, Volodymyr Zelensky entered and left the meeting with Donald Trump, on Sunday (28), with the same percentage: 90% of the terms of the 20-point plan are agreed. If, on the one hand, there were no concrete advances in the almost three-hour meeting in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on the other, there were no setbacks. ✅ Click here to follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp The two presidents tried to convey optimism, but the shadow of the remaining 10% —- or the “thorny issues”, as Trump defined it — insisted on permeating the impasse. These are crucial issues, which basically encompass uncertainty over territorial concessions in the Donbass region, in Eastern Ukraine, and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, occupied by Russia. Negotiations are taking place with no ceasefire in sight and with the front lines open, amid recent and intense attacks from Russia. The American president indicated that it would be better for Ukraine to cede territory before Russia continues with new invasions. Zelensky was willing to transform the occupied territories into a demilitarized zone with a special economic regime. But he insisted that the last word on the issue will rest with Ukrainians, through a referendum, but only after a ceasefire. “You know our position. We have to respect our law and our people. We respect the territory we control,” he said. Holding a referendum would undoubtedly test Zelensky’s leadership. If he were rejected by the population, it would represent a rejection of his management and a possible resignation of the president, yet another advantage that would be taken advantage of by Putin. Regarding the referendum, there is yet another obstacle: Russia refuses a truce, on the grounds that the attacks will only be stopped when there is a definitive agreement. In other words, the cycle of impasses persists. Neither Trump nor Zelensky have set deadlines for a definitive peace agreement, promising that their teams will meet again in the coming weeks REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst The meeting between Trump and Zelensky followed the same script as the previous ones: the American president spoke beforehand with his Russian counterpart. This explains the caution and reticence of both at the press conference, which left without detailing a clear schedule for the next steps. Trump gave negotiations a few weeks to progress, but let it slip that “they could go wrong.” He said he believes Russia and Ukraine are “closer than ever” to an agreement. But, based on concrete evasions, there is little tangible progress. Zelensky says Trump offered security for 15 years to Ukraine, but says he wants a longer period See the videos trending on g1
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The crucial 10% that stalls the peace plan between Russia and Ukraine
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