On the day of the last greeting to Pope Francis, an unexpected diplomatic glimpse of the Ukrainian crisis opened in the Basilica of San Pietro. The American president Donald Trump and the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky They met in reserved form inside the Vatican Basilica. Fifteen minutes of interview, defined by both parties “constructive”, immortalized by a photograph that has gone around the world. The face to face marked an unexpected rapprochement after the tense confrontation that took place two months ago in the White House. The atmosphere appeared more relaxed, with the two leaders sitting a few steps from each other, engaged in a dense dialogue and serious tones. “A very productive meeting,” said the White House. Zelensky spoke of a “symbolic moment, which could become historic if it will lead to concrete results”. But What point is the negotiation?
Yesterday in the Vatican the western front was in fact strengthened in support of Zelensky, but There are still some knots to be dissolved Between Washington and Kiev, and of course between Ukraine and Russia. The goal is to build a shared agreement on the future safety structure in Eastern Europe and according to diplomatic sources Ukraine would have subjected to Washington one countercropost to the American plan for post -war safety, receiving opening signals. In the Kiev counter -proposal there would be no restriction on the dimensions of the Ukrainian armed forces, a “European security contingent” would be provided by the United States to be deployed in Ukrainian territory to guarantee safety, while Russian frozen assets should be used as war repairs. According to the New York Timesthese three provisions may not be a starting point for the Kremlin, but some parts of the Ukrainian plan suggest the search for common ground. It is not mentioned to the full recovery by Ukraine throughout the territory conquered by Russia or the insistence on the adhesion of Ukraine to NATO, two issues that Zelensky has long declared not to be the subject of negotiations.
But that’s not all. According to the Telegraphthe US offered themselves privately to provide security guarantees to the “coalition of willing“Wanted by Sir Keir Starmer. American officials have opened the door to the possibility of providing intelligence and logistical support to British and European soldiers to support a peace agreement in Ukrainian by land, air and sea. This is not a little account of passage, considering that Starmer has put pressure on Trump to obtain such guarantees for two months. The availability of Washington to intervene if the western soldiers were Attacked by Russia – a critical point for the feasibility of the project – an open question remains.
Also as regards the requests of Zelensky, to the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen he asked penalties heavier in Moscow. “Particular attention has been given to the preparation of the 17th pack of EU sanctions. It is crucial that this package affects crucial sectors of the Russian economy and serves as one of the pressure elements because Russia restores peace” the confirmation of the Ukrainian leader: “We care about supporting the European Union. Together we work for the security of people, for a right peace, and for the European future of Ukraine”.
On the Russian frontthe Kremlin announced the reconquest of the entire Kursk region and said he was ready to reopen the negotiations “without pre -contracts”. A move that could prelude to a new phase of dialogue, despite a still uncertain picture. In fact, there is no shortage of conflicting signals. Trump, who for weeks has entertained an informal channel with Moscow through the entrepreneur Steve Witkoff, on the one hand spoken of an agreement now close, on the other has accused Vladimir Putin of wanting to earn time, threatening new penalties in case of further postponements.
One of the main knots remains that of the territories: according to rumors collected by New York Timesthe American administration would be willing to grant Russia the control of the regions already occupied, including the Crimea. A perspective that Kiev, at least officially, rejects. Zelensky reiterated that each negotiation will have to start from a complete and verifiable fire. A setting shared by European partners. “Moscow must demonstrate with the events of wanting peace,” said Giorgia Meloni at the end of the meeting with Zelensky. “Now it’s up to Putin,” added the French president Macron, speaking of “a convergence work” between Kiev, Washington and the main European countries to reach “a solid respite”.
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