A brief but significant meeting occurred between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis's funeral. This marked their first face-to-face encounter since a contentious Oval Office meeting earlier this year. The meeting took place amidst a broader diplomatic effort by Zelensky to garner support and navigate a US peace proposal that has drawn criticism.
Zelensky engaged in a diplomatic blitz, meeting with European leaders to counter a US proposal to end the war on terms potentially favorable to Russia. This proposal, involving recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea and territorial gains in exchange for a ceasefire and sanctions relief, caused alarm in Ukraine and its allies.
Trump publicly criticized Putin for missile attacks on Ukrainian civilians, yet simultaneously suggested alternative approaches to dealing with Russia, hinting at potential financial sanctions. His special envoy also met with Putin.
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky garnered significant attention and commentary. European leaders showed strong support for Ukraine, contrasting with the US proposal. Zelensky's meetings with various European leaders reinforced the unified stance against the controversial US peace plan. Despite the ongoing conflict and conflicting proposals, various meetings between Ukrainian and US officials indicate the continuation of diplomatic efforts.
The war continues despite attempts at ceasefires and peace negotiations. Russia's continued aggression and unwillingness to fully commit to a truce create significant obstacles for achieving a lasting peace settlement. The overall situation remains tense, with ongoing diplomatic efforts and challenges ahead.