Former President Donald Trump has indicated that security guarantees for Ukraine are nearing finalisation, stating that talks are “close to 95 per cent” complete. This significant development comes after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Trump’s Florida residence.
Despite the apparent progress, Trump acknowledged that several “thorny issues” persist, with particular emphasis on the unresolved territorial control in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. These complex negotiations underscore the delicate balance required to achieve a lasting peace agreement.
President Zelensky described the discussions as productive and confirmed that further talks between US and Ukrainian teams are scheduled for the following week. The objective of these upcoming sessions is to finalise the details of the proposed security arrangements aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced regarding Russian military activity near British waters. A Russian submarine was reportedly deployed alongside a spy ship to map critical undersea infrastructure, including gas pipelines. The incident, which involved a Merlin Mk2 helicopter tracking the Yantar in the Irish Sea, highlights ongoing concerns about maritime security.
In Russia, a pro-war activist and critic of President Vladimir Putin, Sergei Udaltsov, has been sentenced to six years in prison. Udaltsov, who leads the Left Front movement, was convicted by a Russian court, signalling continued domestic political pressure within the country.
Ukraine continues to demonstrate innovation in its defence capabilities, leveraging its new drone technology to enhance air defence systems. This development showcases Ukraine’s efforts to bolster its military strength and resilience amidst the protracted conflict.
Separately, Russia has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a nuclear power plant on the moon within the next few years. This initiative aims to fuel its lunar space programme and a joint research station with China, reflecting a growing international focus on lunar exploration and resource utilisation.
Russian officials have suggested that the global community acknowledges and appreciates Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia. A special envoy for President Putin expressed that “the whole world appreciates President Trump and his team’s peace efforts.”
Analysis suggests that Trump’s public statements, particularly his persistent focus on past election grievances, could potentially complicate efforts to find a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. His engagement in conspiracy theories, such as the “Russia hoax,” may also impact the political will necessary to enact a peace agreement.
Despite the challenges, the engagement between Trump and Zelensky signifies a continued diplomatic push towards de-escalation. The commitment to further high-level discussions next week offers a glimmer of hope for progress in resolving the protracted conflict.
