Exclusive | Trump tells Post there’s a ‘good shot’ at reaching Russia-Ukraine peace during Zelensky’s visit

President Trump expressed optimism about securing a peace deal when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits his Mar-a-Lago club on Sunday. In a phone call with The Post, Trump mentioned that both Ukraine and Russia seem willing to make progress towards peace, although challenges remain.

Zelensky is bringing a new 20-point peace proposal, a variation of the 28-point plan drafted by Trump’s negotiators in November. The proposal includes a demilitarized “free economic zone” in Ukraine but has not received a response from Russian President Vladimir Putin yet.

Despite the ongoing dialogue, Trump has not yet endorsed Zelensky’s plan, stating that nothing is final until he approves it. Zelensky, on the other hand, expressed readiness to call a referendum to confirm territorial concessions to Russia as part of the peace plan.

The road to peace has been rocky, with Putin initially showing willingness to accept international peacekeepers but later backing out of a bilateral summit with Zelensky. Russia’s invasion of Ukrainian territory since February 2022 has further complicated the situation.

The upcoming meeting between Trump and Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago could be a turning point in the peace negotiations. Trump’s hosting style, known for its grandeur and influence, might play a significant role in shaping the discussions. The setting at Mar-a-Lago, a symbol of Trump’s power and diplomacy, could set the stage for progress in the peace talks.

The meeting at Mar-a-Lago also highlights Trump’s hosting style, where he often uses lavish settings to influence his guests. A notable example is his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he served a decadent dessert before discussing military actions in Syria. Trump’s hosting of world leaders at Mar-a-Lago underscores his unique approach to diplomacy and negotiation.

Overall, the meeting between Trump and Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago holds the potential to make significant strides towards peace in Ukraine. Despite the challenges and complexities involved, both leaders seem determined to find a resolution to the conflict and bring stability to the region.