U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to a potential agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while acknowledging that several critical issues, including the fate of the Donbas region, remain unresolved.
Speaking at a joint news conference following a meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, both leaders indicated progress on two major points in peace negotiations: security guarantees for Ukraine and the future of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, which Russia has sought to capture.
Trump offered cautious optimism, noting that a few “thorny issues” related to territory still need resolution, though he said discussions are “moving in the right direction.” Zelenskiy confirmed that agreement on security guarantees has largely been reached, describing it as a “key milestone in achieving a lasting peace.” Trump added that European nations are expected to “take over a big part” of implementing these guarantees, with U.S. support.
The future of the Donbas region remains unsettled. While Russia insists on controlling the entire region, Ukraine seeks to maintain current lines of control. The U.S. has proposed a compromise, including a potential free economic zone if Ukraine withdraws from the area, although practical details are still unclear.
Trump also highlighted ongoing discussions regarding post-war security arrangements for Ukraine, noting that the agreement would require Ukrainian parliamentary approval or possibly a referendum. “It’s unresolved, but it’s getting a lot closer. That’s a very tough issue,” he said.
Ahead of Zelenskiy’s visit, Trump held a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, described as “productive” and “friendly.” Trump reported that Putin pledged support for Ukraine’s reconstruction, including the supply of affordable energy. The Kremlin expressed backing for Trump’s mediation efforts, with Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, posting that “the whole world appreciates President Trump and his team’s peace efforts.”
Negotiations also covered the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, with Trump noting progress on shared control arrangements. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that local power line repairs have begun following a temporary ceasefire.
The meeting comes after Russian forces launched missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other regions over the weekend, which Trump interpreted as a reaction to U.S.-facilitated peace efforts. European leaders, participating via phone, emphasized the importance of robust security guarantees and an urgent resolution to the conflict.
While Trump and Zelenskiy did not provide a specific deadline for concluding a peace deal, the U.S. president suggested that clarity on the negotiations would emerge “in a few weeks.”
