Negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine may be nearing a conclusion, according to statements from both the Kremlin and the United States. On Monday, the Kremlin affirmed it agrees with President Donald Trump’s assessment that talks are in their “final phase,” while also announcing that Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump are scheduled to speak by phone “very soon.”
A Potential Path Forward
The statements follow a more than three-hour meeting on Sunday in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Both leaders signaled progress toward peace, though acknowledged “thorny issues” remain unresolved. President Trump stated they are “closer than ever” to reaching an agreement.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, Putin and Trump previously discussed establishing working groups to address the conflict – one focused on security and the other on economic matters – and agreed to continue communication. Moscow has stated it awaits further details from Washington regarding the specifics of the Florida meeting.
Zelensky, for his part, indicated a willingness to meet with Putin directly to discuss peace terms, stating, “How we meet, in what format, we don’t care. We are ready.” However, he emphasized the need for consistency between Putin’s words and actions, citing continued Russian attacks on Ukraine.
Remaining Obstacles
Zelensky identified two key outstanding issues: the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and territorial disputes. He stated that a 20-point peace plan is “90 percent” complete, with these two points remaining. Zelensky also suggested that the presence of international troops in Ukraine is a necessary component of any future security guarantees.
Despite Zelensky’s openness to direct talks, the Kremlin has indicated no immediate plans for a phone conversation between the two presidents, nor any discussion of a ceasefire, even during the Orthodox Christmas period on January 7th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine?
According to the Kremlin, negotiations are in their “final phase,” and both Russia and Ukraine have agreed to establish working groups to finalize a peace agreement in the coming weeks.
What are the main sticking points in the negotiations?
The two remaining unresolved issues are the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently occupied by Russia, and territorial disputes.
What is President Zelensky’s position on meeting with President Putin?
President Zelensky stated he is ready to meet with President Putin in any format to discuss peace, but emphasized that Russia’s actions must align with its stated desire for peace.
As discussions continue, will these working groups be able to bridge the remaining gaps and pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict in Ukraine?
