In a sudden turn of events, former President Donald Trump threw a wrench in Ukraine’s hopes for a peace summit aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. On Tuesday, during an interview with The Washington Post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s chief advisor, Andriy Yermak, learned of Trump’s post on Truth Social, which announced plans to send Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with Ukrainian officials and Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow to facilitate peace talks.
This announcement effectively delayed Trump’s earlier objective of concluding the war by Thanksgiving. Yermak had just articulated his hopes for a 19-point peace proposal, crafted in collaboration with U.S. officials, which he wished to see adopted as a joint plan by the end of the week. He envisioned a signing ceremony involving both Trump and Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, aiming to formalize a resolution during the holiday.
Unexpected Setback for Peace Negotiations
Trump’s message on Truth Social expressed optimism about future discussions, stating, “I look forward to hopefully meeting with President Zelenskyy and President Putin soon, but ONLY when the deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages.” The post included a call for peace, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Upon reading the update, Yermak visibly reacted, indicating the gravity of this unexpected development.
When asked for his thoughts on the situation, Yermak requested to reconvene in 24 hours to reassess the changing landscape. He stated, “It’s necessary to wait and to understand with which position Driscoll will come, and to talk with Witkoff to understand which position he is going with to Moscow.” He highlighted the dire circumstances in Ukraine, where each day brings increased risks of Russian missile strikes and civilian casualties.
Yermak stressed the pressing need for a meeting between Trump and Zelensky, not merely for symbolic purposes, but to advance discussions that could potentially save lives. “Every day it’s a risk to lose best people, children. We have no time,” he noted, underscoring the urgency of the talks.
Challenges Ahead for Peace Talks
The proposed 19-point plan, which aims to facilitate negotiations, remains unfinished. Yermak indicated that several “sensitive points” need to be resolved directly between Trump and Zelensky. He expressed hope that a face-to-face meeting could take place as early as Thursday to expedite the process.
Despite the challenges, Yermak maintained that the United States holds significant leverage in persuading Russia to engage in meaningful negotiations. He stated, “I am sure that the United States of America has a lot of possibilities … how to press Russia,” referencing tools such as sanctions and international influence.
Yermak expressed confidence in Trump’s unique capacity to influence the situation, asserting, “I’m still sure that one leader in the world who can end this war … it’s President Trump.” His remarks underscore the intricate dynamics at play as Ukraine seeks a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, all while navigating the complexities of international relations.
