President Trump on Thursday cryptically teased a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal that would potentially involve all of Europe.
“I’m telling you, there’s going to be an agreement. It’s going to be a big agreement, and it’s going to involve more than Ukraine,” Mr. Trump said in the Oval Office. “I could even say it might involve all of Europe. It’s going to be a big, beautiful agreement and everyone’s going to be thrilled.”
Mr. Trump did not provide any more details on what the potential sweeping arrangement would entail.
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The president’s remarks come as his administration prepares for another round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled for Nov. 10-11 in Abu Dhabi. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Mr. Trump’s son-in-law, are expected to represent Washington at the talks, which are expected to focus on the war, security arrangements and steps toward ending the hostilities.
The administration has also been consulting European allies about their potential responsibilities under any peace agreement.
The possibility of a Europe-wide arrangement comes as the United States and its allies wrestle with one of the most contentious questions surrounding the negotiations: how to prevent Russia from launching another invasion after a ceasefire. European governments have sought assurances that any settlement would protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and preserve the continent’s security, while Moscow has repeatedly opposed arrangements that would bring Ukraine closer to NATO.
The president’s comments also followed an unusual diplomatic gathering at the White House, where first lady Melania Trump hosted representatives from Russia and Ukraine after helping broker a temporary ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. The six-day truce allowed humanitarian assistance and civilian evacuations but expired Sunday.
The first lady urged both sides to build upon the limited agreement as a foundation for broader peace negotiations, although the two countries remain deeply divided over the terms of a lasting settlement.
Mr. Trump said he met with representatives from the Russian delegation who attended the gathering with Mrs. Trump, but not the Ukrainian representatives.
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