Well, thank you very much. We had a terrific meeting. Uh, we discussed a lot of things.
As you know, I had an excellent phone call with President Putin that lasted for over two hours. We discussed a lot of points and I do think we're getting a lot closer, maybe very close. uh the president and I just uh spoke to the European leaders.
They were President Emanuel Mcronone of France, President Alexander Stub of the Republic of Finland, President Carol Noraki of the Republic of Poland, Prime Minister Jonas Gar Store of the Kingdom of Norway, Prime Minister George Maloney of the Italian Republic, Prime Minister Kier Starmer of the United Kingdom, of Britain and Northern Ireland. Chancellor Frederick Mertz, the Federal Republic of Germany, Secretary General Mark Rut, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, President Ursula Vanderland of the European Commission. We spoke to all of those great leaders.
They're all great leaders and uh we had a great talk with them after we were completed. We thought it was appropriate to speak with them and our meeting was excellent. We covered somebody would say 95% I don't know what percent but we uh have made a lot of progress on ending that war which is really the certainly the most deadly war since World War II probably the biggest war since World War II.
And I want to thank Steve Woodco who's here. And I'd like to thank Jared who's here someplace. Thank you Jared.
Thank you Steve. What a great job you've done. Jared Kushner, Steve Wood.
And uh Marco Ruby is here. Thank you, Marco. And Pete Hegsath is here doing those two people are doing an unbelievable job.
And the four people on this one are doing uh I don't think anybody could do it. And we'll see if it gets done, but it's very close. Certainly nobody would even have a chance of getting it to where it is right now.
Nobody would have thought that was possible. So I just want to say we've done very well. We've had discussions on just about every subject.
Uh and that includes with President Putin before and uh we we went into great detail and we likewise went into great detail today and it was an honor to have you at Mara Lago and have lunch. I hope you enjoyed the food. Your people enjoy the food.
I can tell you that. your big strong people. Your general over there looks like central casting.
Uh I want to also by the way speaking of generals we have a great general general raisin Kaine who is here someplace. Thank you general. Thank you very much.
He's great. So uh Mr President maybe you want to say a few words and then we'll speak over the next couple of weeks. We'll speak probably quite a bit but we'll speak tomorrow.
Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Thank you.
Thank you so much Mr President. Thank you for everything. Dear colleagues, first of all, I would like to thank President Trump for a great meeting at this amazing place in his home in Mara Lago and we had a really great discussions on all the topics and we appreciate the progress that was made by American and Ukrainian teams in this recent weeks.
Special thanks to Steve Vitkaf and Jared Kushner and thank you to uh for for their engagement and full commitment and also to our team and first of all to REM and General and to all our teams and we discussed all the aspects of the peace framework which includes and we have a great achievements 20 point peace plan 90% agreed and US Ukraine security guarantees 100% agreed US Europe Ukraine security guarantee is almost agreed. Military dimension 100% agreed. Prosperity plan being finalized and we also discussed the sequencing of the following actions and we agree that security guarantees is a key milestone in achieving lasting peace and our teams will continue working on all aspects.
We also had a joint productive call with European leaders like President Trump said already and a lot of leaders including NATO and EU and we agreed that our teams will meet in upcoming weeks to finalize all discussed matters and we agreed with President Trump that he will host us and uh maybe in Washington European leaders and Ukrainian delegation yes in January and Ukraine is ready for peace and once again would like to thank President President Trump for a warm welcome and substantial discussion. Thank you, Mr President. >> Thank you so much, Mr President.
>> Any questions, please? Well, I think we're I look, you know, you can say 95%, but I don't like to say percentages. I just think we're doing very well.
We're very we could be very close. There are one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues, but I think we're doing very well. We made a lot of progress today, but really we've made it over the last month.
This is not a one-day process deal. This very complicated stuff, but I think uh when the president says 95, I think, you know, could be close to 95%. Yeah.
Please behind you, >> Mr President. We agreed on the so-called free trade zone on Donbas. How to separate uh how to separate the sides how how to make the separation line who will be responsible?
>> The word agreed is too strong. I would say not agreed but we're getting closer to an agreement on that and that's a big issue. Certainly that's one of the big issues and uh I think we're we're closer than we were probably want.
It's unresolved but it's getting a lot closer. That's a very tough issue but one that I think will get resolved. Yeah, please.
>> We receiving some mixed signals coming from Moscow even after this. Can you assure us you have received written or any formal response? >> Well, what was the issue?
You have to tell me what did they say. >> They are telling that Ukraine has to give up. >> Well, that's what they've been asking for and uh you know there's a dispute about that.
So, they're going to have to iron that out. That's an issue they have to iron out. Uh, it's uh but I think it's moving in the right direction.
doesn't have. Yeah. Go ahead.
>> No, go ahead. You were going to finish your question. >> Well, we'll see.
Look, we'll see. But I don't want to talk about that because I think we're getting pretty close. Yes, please.
>> May I ask the president? Yes. About territorial question, Mr President.
What is your take on status? Are you prepared to see it as a free economic order? No, we spoke about 20 points planned and I'm happy that really our teams very close to results and I agree with President Trump that they our teams work not one day and not one not one week more than one month beginning from Genev then two meetings in Miami then we had Berling and now we have Maraga so this is very difficult question you know our position so it's I mean this we have to respect our law and our people we respect the territory which we control and of course the uh our attitude is very clear that's why President Trump said this is very tough question and of course we have with Russians different positions on it >> and have you discussed about >> no when we speak about referendum we spoke that it's one of the key we can have referendum on on any kind of points of this plan I said that we can use referendum like for the plan or we cannot use referendum it's one of the key we can use I mean this possibility of parliament to vote according to the law or to have referendum doesn't matter is I mean this referendum if the plan will be very difficult for our society very difficult of course our society has to choose and has to vote because it's their land the land not of one person it's the land of our nation for a lot of generous generations >> they'll probably have to get their plan approved by parliament or by referendum of the people, you would think that they want I know they had a poll that it's 91% in favor of ending this war.
So, they want to end it like everybody want Russia wants it ended. Everybody wants it ended. So, and we want it ended.
I want it ended because I don't want to see so many people dying. We're losing, you know, massive numbers of people. The biggest by far since World War II.
So, we want to see it ended. Absolutely. President Trump, you >> you said at the top that you you plan to speak again tomorrow.
Is that correct? I might I mean it depends on what happens tomorrow if there's an additional something to add otherwise there's no reason to we're in the process Jared and Steve are working very hard to get something done and if there's something that comes up I'd speak but otherwise I don't think there's any reason to >> in your mind sir what are what are the thorniest issues still unresolved after the >> well I think uh the land you're talking about some of that land has been taken some of that land is uh maybe up for grabs, but it may be taken over the next period of a number of months and you're better off making a deal. Now, look, let me tell you the they have been very brave.
They fought very hard and continue to fight very hard and do tremendous damage, but uh Russia would like to see it end and Ukraine would like to see it and I think it's time to end. And uh a lot of very brave people, a lot of people that are dead right now, unfortunately, because I've said, and nobody's disputed it, that if the election weren't rigged and stolen, 2020, you wouldn't have had this war. Would have never happened.
And it didn't happen for four years. Never was even thought to happen. Uh and I spoke with President Putin.
I got along with him very well despite the Russia Russia Russia hoax, which was a total hoax. Used to say, "What is going on over there? " But it was a total hoax as he knew and as I knew.
But I spoke to him and and we'd talk about Ukraine. I I've said it before. It was the apple of his eye.
But he wasn't going to do anything about he didn't do anything about it until I was gone. And then uh a lot of really bad statements were made by people by a lot of people I guess but by uh a certain president that we had who who was a disaster. Yes.
Do you anticipate going to Ukraine if you can get to an agreement? And um >> I'd have no problem with doing it. You know, I have no problem with doing don't anticipate it.
Uh would like to get the deal done and not necessarily have to go. I've offered to go and speak to their parliament and you know if that would help. I don't know if that would help.
I think it would probably help but I I don't even know if that's >> You're welcome. >> Yeah. No, I know.
So, I'm not sure that it would be really necessary, but if it would help save 25,000 lives a month or whatever it may be, I would certainly be willing to do that. Yeah, please. >> No, behind you.
>> Are you Where are you from? >> Ukraine. >> Good.
I had a feeling. >> Good. >> On what?
that can be done. >> Yeah, we discussed that at length today. As you know, it's in pretty good shape.
It can start up immediately, almost immediately. And it's one of the things I discussed with President Putin and they were talking about the nuclear plant that's probably the biggest in the world. Just about the biggest anywhere in the world.
Can you believe that? And uh President Putin's actually working with Ukraine on getting it open. He's been very good in that sense.
He wants to see that open and uh he hasn't hit it with missiles, hasn't hit it with anything. It's a big danger to do that for everybody, but they're working together to try and get it. It can it can open very quickly.
It's in pretty good shape. And the people there have been there for years. The people there running it.
You know, they have 5,000 people in that plant. Can you believe it? I learned that today.
5,000 people. It's the biggest plant of its kind in the world. >> And they're working together to get it open.
they could maybe get it open quickly. That's a big step when he's not bombing that plant. It's a big step.
>> Mr President, you in in the readout from the from Moscow, they talked about the creation of some working groups >> that would be set. Can you tell us about what those working groups entail and also if you wouldn't mind what what is the message that you will give to Putin when you speak to him after your meeting? So the working group is going to be composed of Steve Steve Woodco, Jared Kushner, General Raisen Kaine, Marco Rubio, and uh a few other people that we're going to be putting on to it.
I think Pete Pete Hexath should be in that working group. He knows the territory very well. He's been fantastic at what he's doing.
Uh and they may add one or two people. And likewise, Ukraine's going to have some very good people that were at lunch today that enjoyed the lunch today a lot more than they thought. Right.
But uh do you want to say who may be on your working group? >> Yeah, we uh now as I said that uh we work with Steven Jarrett. We worked uh and worked our Ramov and also uh deputy minister Gizlitz and also General and they will continue work in this uh group.
And uh of course if we will go further and I hope that really we will have decisions in January as I said about all these documents six documents and of course uh we will uh continue work on this so they know what to do. Yes. And that working group by the way importantly will also then be working with Russia.
Okay. Because to work with ourselves doesn't really solve much of a problem. So they'll be working with Russia.
Yeah. Please >> this morning you weren't a deadline guy. How long do you think it'll take to get this last little bit as you say finished?
What are we talking about? >> So if it went really well, you know, maybe a few weeks and if it went poorly longer and if it went really poorly, it's not going to happen. That would be a shame.
There's that chance. Also, you know, it's possible it doesn't happen. But, you know, in a few weeks, we will know one way or the other, I think.
But, uh, >> but if it went if it went really well, uh, but It could also go poorly. I mean, you know, we could have something where one item that you're not thinking about as a big item breaks it up. Look, it's been a very difficult negotiation.
Very detailed. It's funny. I set settled eight wars.
Some were some were going on for 35 years and we got them settled in a couple of days. Some of them, one was going on for 37 years. I settled in one day.
But this is a very complex one. >> You want to put odds on it? what the what the uh the battle >> No, I think we'll get it done.
>> I don't want to say when, but I think we're going to get it done. Yes, ma'am. >> Mr President, you in the past have suggested a trilateral meeting between both President Putin and Zilinski.
Is that something that is also um on the docket? >> I see that happening, Sure. at the right time.
I saw a very uh interesting President Putin today. I mean, he he wants to see it happen. He wants to see it.
He told me very strongly. I believe him. don't forget we went through the Russia Russia Russia hoax together.
And he'd call me, I'd call him, I'd say, "Can you believe the stuff that they're making up? " And it turned out we were right. They made it all up.
And despite that, we didn't get into wars or we didn't get into problems, but we weren't able to trade very much or any of that, which was a shame because, you know, a lot of success could have been had by trading with Russia. They have great land, great minerals, and other things. And we have things that they want very badly.
But the Russia Russia Russia hoax which was a terrible madeup fictional thing by crooked Hillary and by Adam Shifty Schiff and bad people sick people. They made it up. It was all a madeup hoax.
But it kept us really from dealing with Russia. Kept Russia dealing, you know, from dealing with us. So, uh, but but despite that, we got along and I I don't know.
I think we're going to get there. I know I know him very well. Well, I think we're going to get there.
>> Did you uh discuss any uh time, location, meeting place? >> Yeah, we're discussing a lot of things. No, we look I was on the phone with them for almost I guess two and a half hours.
They're just telling me now. That's a long time. We discussed a lot of things.
We didn't talk about the weather. We weren't talking about how what a beautiful day it is in Palm Beach, Florida. >> Yes.
>> Trump, President Sullinsky mentioned maybe a meeting with European leaders back in Washington. Would that be in the next few weeks? >> Well, in Washington or someplace.
Yeah. These leaders that I just read, these are great people. You know, they've spent a lot of money on helping Ukraine.
And look, they're doing it for themselves also, meaning their country because Ukraine's a very important country. Uh for them in particular, for us, it's very important. To me, it's their lives that, you know, we're thousands and thousands of mile.
We're protected by a thing called the Atlantic Ocean and lots of other places to be honest. and uh they're not, you know, they're right there, but we're working together with them as we should be, but I'm doing it to save lives. You know, we're not spending any money.
Biden gave $350 billion away. And the president was nice enough to give us a contract to take out rare earth and things, so we'll see what how that all works out. We we have a contract, but but uh we we appreciated that.
He was very good. But but we'll see how that works out. But if you think about it, uh, we're going to have we're I I really believe we're probably, Mr President, closer than by far closer than ever before with both parties.
We had some times when he was close and President Putin wasn't. Then would have President Putin was close and he wasn't. You saw that in the White House.
But uh, but I think they both want to see it happen. >> Mr said multiple times that you want and nearly 100 American citizens. >> Yeah.
>> What's your message to love? >> Well, look, I mean, the message is so obvious. It's what a shame they died in a country, a foreign country, and uh some are celebrated people.
They're very celebrated, but so sad that a thing like that would happen. Yes, ma'am. President Trump, >> obviously security is is a is a major issue for the Ukrainians, right?
Did you offer any promises, any assurances today? Can you >> I did we want to work with Europe and Europe is going to take over a big part of it as you can imagine. You know, they're right there, but we're going to help Europe 100%.
Like they'd help us. Yes, ma'am. You were going to say so.
>> Yeah. I was just going to ask when you Andre Shal with Reuters. >> That's what I thought.
>> Yeah. So, in your conversation with President Putin, did you discuss what responsibility Russia will have for any kind of reconstruction of Ukraine post an agreement? >> I did.
They're going to be helping. Russia's going to be helping. Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed once.
It sounds a little strange, but I was explaining to the president uh President Putin was very generous in his feeling toward Ukraine succeeding, including supplying energy, electricity, and other things at very low prices. So, a lot of lot of good things came out of that call today, but they were in the works for two weeks with Steve and with Jared and Marco and everybody. Did did Russia agree or did Putin agree to a ceasefire to allow a referendum to take?
>> Not a ceasefire and that's one of the points that we're working on right now. No, not a ceasefire. He feels that look, you know, they're fighting and to stop and then to if they have to start again, which is a possibility.
He doesn't want to be in that position. I understand that position. uh the president feels strongly about that or something, but I think we're finding ways that we can get around that.
But I understand President Putin from that standpoint. You know, you have to understand the other side and you know, I'm on the side of peace. I'm on the side of stopping the war.
So, but I I think that's uh that's a problem that's going to get solved. Yeah. Would people who live outside of Ukrainians who fled during the war be allowed to participate in the referendum?
>> What do you mean people where the people that live in Germany? You know, if we speak about the people who are abroad, who are not on on the territory of Ukraine, you mean that in Poland, in Germany, we have millions of people. Yeah.
They have a referendum in the same of elections. In the same way how people come and vote, they have rights for this. Of course they have to come.
That's why if we will come to referendum, yes, if we will come to such decision, people need uh infrastructure for this. And it's not simple. And that's why we spoke about it.
It can't be in one day very quickly. It's difficult because we need infrastructure. When you have millions of people, you have to build it in Europe, mostly in Europe for today.
>> President Trump, I know you you sound an optimistic note here, but what happens in a few weeks if if things sputter? What are you prepared to do? >> They keep fighting and they keep dying.
No good. But if things don't happen, they keep fighting and they keep dying and we don't want that to happen. He doesn't want it to happen.
President Putin doesn't want it to happen either. Okay. Thank you very much everybody.
Appreciate it. Great. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I don't know.
Was it a good lunch? >> Yes, sir. >> There's no lunch.
He walked in. He said, "This place is gorgeous. I don't think he wants to go to the White House anymore.
That's the problem. >> I'm ready to move. >> I know we are.
It is. It is. The White House is a very special place and so is this.
I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you very much so much, sir. Thank you, sir.
