US to send representative to talks in Europe on Ukraine
發佈日期: 2025-12-12 22:32
TVB News
US President Donald Trump said the United States will send a representative to Europe to participate in talks on Ukraine this weekend if there's a good chance of making progress on a ceasefire deal.
A major sticking point in the deal is the issue of ceding territory to Russia. These would become Special Economic Zones.
Speaking via video link to European allies, President Zelenskyy said he is ready to hold elections called for by President Trump if international partners ensure the safety of candidates and voters.
Zelenskyy said: "We are ready to work with President Trump in any format. And if President Trump is speaking more about elections in Ukraine, I want to say this very openly - we can try to hold elections. Ukraine is not hiding from democracy. But to make elections possible, there must be a security component. And America can help with this the most."
Zelenskyy added in order for elections to take place, there must be a ceasefire.
"If there is a need for elections now, there must be a ceasefire - at least during the election process and during voting and this is something that must be discussed. Honestly, we think here in Ukraine that America should speak to the Russian side about this."
This as the White House has expressed frustration with the pace of talks as Ukraine continues to balk at a provision in Trump-authored peace plan that calls for Kyiv to give up land to Russia in the Donbas that the Russians haven't even captured.
Trump said: "There's four or five different parts. It's a little bit complicated because you're cutting up land in a certain way. It's not the easiest thing, it's sort of like a complex real estate deal times a thousand, right? But it's a deal that would have stopped the killing of thousands of lives every month."
Meanwhile in Moscow's upscale entertainment district, Patriki, famous for its high-end eateries Russia's war with Ukraine is taking its toll on the economy. Instead of posh restaurants like before cheaper coffee shops are now popping up.
This woman said, "Restaurants are closing down now. Why? Because restaurants are very expensive here, because rent is insanely expensive on the ground floors of buildings."
