Zelensky meets Macron…and Trump is optimistic about the peace plan with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Discussionsin Florida on Sunday regarding the peace plan prepared by Washington in an effort to put an end to the conflict that began with the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The two parties confirmed that the discussions were "Fruitful"

The discussions came at a time when Zelensky was facing An internal corruption crisis The chief of staff of the Ukrainian presidency was ousted, while the Russian army continues to achieve field progress in eastern Ukraine at the expense of Kiev forces.

Macron will receive Zelensky at the Elysee Palace at ten in the morning (09:00 GMT), in a visit that includes a meeting, a working lunch, and statements to journalists.

The French presidency confirmed that Macron and Zelensky "They will exchange views on the situation and conditions for achieving a just and lasting peace, in continuation of the discussions that took place in Geneva and the American plan, and in close consultation with our European partners."

About 10 days ago, the United States presented a 28-point plan that was formulated without any interference from Ukraine’s European allies. The plan took into account many Russian demands, and stipulated the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donetsk region (east) and Washington’s de facto recognition of the Donetsk, Crimean, and Lugansk regions as Russian.

Washington modified the original draft after criticism from Kiev and Europe, but the current formula is still unclear.

The two sides of the discussions confirmed on Sunday that the discussion took place "Fruitful". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the need for more work, while a source in the Kiev delegation described the discussions as… "Not easy"

For his part, Trump saw a good opportunity to reach an agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump said on board Air Force One. "Ukraine has some difficult little problems"referring to the corruption investigation that forced Zelensky to dismiss his office director Andriy Yermak, who was also heading the negotiating delegation.

He added "But I think there is a good chance of reaching an agreement"indicating that both sides want to end the war.

Trump’s statements came at a time when his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, heads again to Moscow, where he is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.

Witkoff was part of the American delegation on Sunday, alongside Rubio and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. On the other hand, Secretary of the National Security Council, Rustam Umarov, headed the Ukrainian delegation.

European Union foreign policy official Kaya Kallas considered on Monday that the coming week could be pivotal for efforts to end the most violent conflict on the continent since World War II.

Kalas said during a meeting of European Union defense ministers "This could be a pivotal week for diplomacy. We heard yesterday that the discussions in the United States were difficult but fruitful. We have no idea about the results yet, but today I will speak to the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, and also to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister".