A high-stakes meeting unfolded at Mar-a-Lago as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought counsel with former President Donald Trump, desperately seeking a path toward ending the devastating war with Russia. The visit underscored the urgency of the situation, with Zelensky making a clear plea for security guarantees and a cessation of hostilities.
Zelensky arrived with a stark message: Ukraine didn’t initiate this conflict, and its sole priority is peace. He publicly affirmed support for Trump’s proposed ceasefire, revealing a detailed 20-point plan outlining potential compromises already laid out in draft agreements. The weight of the war, and the immense loss of life, pressed heavily on his appeal.
The Ukrainian President emphasized a critical need for sustained support from the West, specifically citing insufficient air defenses, weaponry, and funding. While a recent European decision offered some relief, he stressed a constant and debilitating shortage of resources, particularly for vital drone production. He painted a grim picture of a war Russia seems determined to prolong.
Zelensky issued a powerful warning: global unity against Russian aggression is the only viable path to peace. He asserted that any perceived support for Russia, from any nation, would inevitably prolong the conflict, posing a risk to the entire world. Russia, he believes, will not honor agreements and its ambitions extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Earlier that day, Trump described a “good and very productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, revealing that a 20-point peace plan was under consideration by the Kremlin. He expressed cautious optimism, suggesting the possibility of a breakthrough in negotiations.
Addressing reporters after greeting Zelensky, Trump stated, “I do believe that we have the makings of a deal.” He indicated they were in the “final stages of talking,” but cautioned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to a protracted war with catastrophic consequences, potentially claiming millions more lives.
When pressed about potential security agreements, Trump reacted sharply, dismissing a reporter’s question as “dumb.” He acknowledged that a “strong” security agreement was being formulated, with European nations expected to play a significant role in providing protection and support.
