Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered a moment of silent, telling diplomacy during a recent summit with former US President Donald Trump, reacting with a raised eyebrow to a surprising claim about Russia's intentions.
A Pivotal Meeting in Florida
The two leaders met at a peace summit in Florida, where discussions centred on ending the protracted Russia-Ukraine war. During the press conference, Trump made the unexpected assertion that Russia wants Ukraine to succeed. Observers noted Zelenskyy's immediate, non-verbal reaction to the comment, which was captured on camera.
Zelenskyy's initial sceptical expression soon gave way to a smile and a nod when Trump himself acknowledged that his own statement sounded 'a little strange'. The Ukrainian president did not directly comment on Trump's assessment of Vladimir Putin's intentions, choosing instead to focus on diplomatic courtesies.
Progress and Sticking Points on Ukraine Peace Deal
Trump revealed that a draft agreement to end the conflict was nearly '95% done', signalling significant behind-the-scenes work. Both leaders indicated tangible progress toward a finalised US-Ukraine security agreement, a key priority for Kyiv's future defence.
However, they openly acknowledged that lingering disagreements on territorial disputes remain a major hurdle. Trump described these as 'tough' issues still to be resolved, underlining the complexity of reaching a final settlement. Throughout the event, President Zelenskyy repeatedly thanked Trump and paid tribute to his American team for their support.
The Path Forward for Diplomacy
The meeting highlights the delicate and ongoing nature of international efforts to secure peace in Eastern Europe. While the announcement of a largely complete draft and security pact progress offers a glimmer of hope, the unresolved matter of territory confirms that the most challenging negotiations lie ahead. The world will be watching closely to see if this high-level dialogue can translate into a durable and just resolution.
