U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a press conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump described the call as "very productive" ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who arrived in Florida for discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The war, which began in early 2022 with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has persisted for nearly four years. Zelenskyy is expected to discuss economic and security agreements with Trump, as well as unresolved territorial issues that remain significant obstacles to peace. Reports indicate that Zelenskyy has prepared a 20-point peace proposal that is about 90% finalized, yet it remains uncertain whether this proposal will be acceptable to Putin.
Recent developments have seen Russia making military advances in eastern Ukraine, with claims of control over additional regions. In response to diplomatic efforts, Russia has intensified its military actions, launching missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, which Zelenskyy characterized as a counter to peace negotiations.
The proposed peace plan includes provisions for a Ukrainian referendum on territorial concessions to Russia and the establishment of a demilitarized economic zone in Donetsk. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of international support and sanctions against Russia to facilitate a resolution, highlighting the critical diplomatic nature of the current period.
A Kremlin official indicated that both Trump and Putin oppose a temporary ceasefire, suggesting that Ukraine would need to make significant decisions regarding the Donbas region for a lasting resolution to the conflict. Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy is set to be public, taking place in the dining room of his Mar-a-Lago resort.