Live Updates: Trump to Meet With Zelensky, Making New Push for Ukraine Cease-Fire

In a significant diplomatic move, President Donald Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday, in a bid to revitalize stalled negotiations aimed at brokering a cease-fire in the conflict-ridden eastern Ukraine region.The meeting comes at a critical juncture, as the nearly six-year-old conflict between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists continues to simmer, with sporadic outbreaks of violence and little sign of a lasting resolution. The situation on the ground remains dire, with thousands of people killed and over 3 million displaced.According to sources familiar with the matter, Trump and Zelensky are expected to discuss a range of issues, including the ongoing conflict, economic cooperation, and Ukraine's bid to join NATO. However, the primary focus of the talks is likely to be on finding a way to revive the stalled Minsk agreement, a 2015 accord aimed at resolving the conflict through a cease-fire, disarmament of separatist groups, and a return of Ukrainian control over its internationally recognized borders.The Minsk agreement has been repeatedly flouted by both sides, with Ukraine and Russia trading accusations over who is responsible for the continued violence. The United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on Russia in connection with its actions in Ukraine, which have contributed to a chill in relations between Washington and Moscow.Trump's administration has been criticized for its handling of the Ukraine conflict, with some lawmakers and analysts accusing the president of being too soft on Russia and neglecting the crisis. The meeting with Zelensky provides an opportunity for Trump to demonstrate a renewed commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky's office said that Ukraine's top priority is the "immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Russian troops and military equipment from our territory." The Ukrainian leader has also called for increased international support, including greater economic aid and military assistance.The White House has said that Trump will also discuss ways to strengthen economic ties with Ukraine, which has been struggling with corruption and economic stagnation. The two leaders are expected to sign a number of agreements aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.As the meeting gets underway, there are high stakes and great expectations. A successful diplomatic push could help ease tensions in the region, while a failure could further embolden Russian aggression and deepen the crisis. The world will be watching as Trump and Zelensky sit down to discuss the future of Ukraine and the prospects for peace.