US media: There was potential for progress on Ukraine, but a settlement was still far off
US media: After President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met, US media seemed unconvinced of a successful peace in Ukraine. The majority of sites said that although progress was conceivable, a settlement was still far off.
The negotiations in Mar-a-Lago produced “fresh optimism,” but no progress, according to the Wall Street Journal. According to the report, Russia has refused a ceasefire and is continuing pursuing territorial gains. Trump maintained a positive tone while acknowledging that there are still significant challenges, the report said.
Trump said, “I think both presidents want to make a deal,” according to the Journal. It also referred to the discussions as “very complicated stuff” and quoted his caution that “this is not a one-day process deal.” According to the article, neither party provided specifics on the resolution.
A similar stance was adopted by the New York Times. Trump reportedly said that a deal was “maybe very close,” but he also cautioned that it may not materialize. A new 20-point U.S.-Ukraine plan was deemed incomplete by the article. It also said that Russia turned down a number of Kyiv and Washington-sponsored ideas.
Zelensky called the gathering “a great meeting” with “a great discussion on all the topics,” according to the Times. Trump seemed more circumspect. In terms of security assurances, he proposed that Europe take the initiative. According to the report, there was no indication of progress regarding the region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power facility.
The Washington Post adopted a cautious stance as well. It said that after the discussions, Trump and Zelensky sounded optimistic. However, it emphasized that there are still significant obstacles to overcome. According to The Post, the US would assist in arranging Russia-Ukraine negotiations in January. Trump was cited as saying the procedure was “very complicated stuff.”
The Post went on to say that while both presidents were getting closer to a deal, it remained uncertain whether Russia would accept it. It said that the gaps are still large.
A more positive perspective was provided by Fox News. According to the article, the negotiations may pave the way for Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to speak face-to-face for the first time in over five years. According to a source, Trump would gain a “diplomatic victory” if he made such a call.
Trump described his phone talk with Putin as “good and very productive,” according to Fox News. “I do think we have the makings of a deal,” he said. Additionally, he cautioned that if negotiations are unsuccessful, the battle may continue and claim many lives.
Increased diplomatic activity preceding the Trump-Zelenskyy encounter was reported by US media sources. Before meeting Zelenskyy, Trump had a conversation with Putin. Additionally, both leaders participated in a teleconference with European authorities. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, applauded the advancement. She emphasized that Ukraine needs “ironclad security guarantees.”