US President Donald Trump recently shared insights into his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasising the urgency of ending the ongoing conflict. Before departing from Davos, Trump mentioned that a US delegation is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon. “I met President Zelenskyy here; the meeting was good. We US delegation are meeting President Putin today or tomorrow,” he stated.
Trump highlighted the devastating impact of the war, noting that approximately 30,000 people, primarily soldiers, lost their lives last month. “The war has to end. A lot of people have been killed,” he remarked. He stressed the importance of resolving the conflict, saying it would be disgraceful if it continued without resolution. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Moscow to discuss plans for ending the war.
Efforts Towards Peace
During the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. He acknowledged that while he initially thought it would be a straightforward task, it has proven more complex. Trump has been actively working to bring Zelenskyy and Putin to terms to conclude their nearly four-year-long conflict.
Trump underscored his belief in his ability to mediate such disputes, although he noted that the United Nations should ideally handle these matters. “It’s got to get done. Saving a lot of lives, saving millions of lives,” he said. He also pointed out the deep-seated animosity between Zelenskyy and Putin as a significant obstacle to reaching a settlement.
Challenges in Negotiations
The US President acknowledged past difficulties in negotiations, mentioning instances where agreements with Russia were reached but not accepted by Zelenskyy. “Many times we had a deal with Russia, and Zelenskyy didn’t agree… It’s a very difficult balance,” Trump explained. He described the situation as a “blood bath” and highlighted the role of drones in causing mass casualties weekly.
Zelenskyy has indicated that his envoys are working on finalising documents with US officials for a proposed peace settlement. These documents focus on postwar security guarantees and economic recovery plans for Ukraine. Trump’s efforts aim to facilitate an agreement that addresses these critical aspects.
Trump’s message to Putin was clear: “The war has to end.” He reiterated this sentiment multiple times, emphasising the need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and suffering. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains a pressing issue on the international stage.
With inputs from PTI
