Washington has become the epicenter of recent developments regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, as former President Donald Trump unexpectedly derailed hopes for a peace summit. During an interview on Tuesday, Andriy Yermak, chief advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was discussing a newly proposed peace plan when Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he would send Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with Ukrainian officials and Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow. This announcement contradicts earlier discussions about a potential peace agreement aimed for completion by Thanksgiving.
Yermak had just articulated his optimism regarding a 19-point proposal crafted by Ukrainian and U.S. officials over the weekend. He envisioned this plan being adopted as a joint U.S.-Ukraine initiative, with hopes for a significant signing ceremony at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate during the holiday. Trump’s post, which claimed he was willing to engage in peace talks only when a deal was finalized, visibly disheartened Yermak.
“I look forward to hopefully meeting with President Zelenskyy and President Putin soon, but ONLY when the deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages,” Trump stated, emphasizing the urgency for peace. Yermak, who had been advocating for immediate negotiations, expressed dismay, indicating that the situation necessitated a reassessment of their strategy. “It’s necessary to wait and to understand with which position Driscoll will come,” he remarked.
The situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, with each day marked by increased Russian missile strikes and civilian casualties. Yermak pointed out the pressing need for a resolution, stating, “Every day it’s a risk to lose the best people, children. We have no time.”
The proposed 19-point draft, which seeks to outline a path toward peace, faces significant challenges. While it was crafted in collaboration with U.S. officials, it requires the endorsement of Russia, which has shown reluctance to accept earlier proposals, including a more favorable 28-point plan. The current draft remains a work in progress, with unresolved “sensitive points” that need direct negotiation between Trump and Zelensky.
Yermak underscored the critical role of the United States in influencing Russia’s position. “Only the United States has the leverage to push Moscow into a deal,” he asserted, pointing to economic sanctions and global diplomatic influence as tools available to Washington. He remains convinced that Trump possesses the unique capability to facilitate an end to the conflict. “I’m still sure that one leader in the world who can end this war … it’s President Trump,” Yermak concluded.
The unfolding dynamics of this situation highlight the complexity of international diplomacy, particularly in a conflict that has seen extensive loss of life and ongoing humanitarian crises. As the world watches, the effectiveness of the proposed negotiations and the roles of key figures like Trump and Zelensky will be pivotal in shaping the future of Ukraine.
