Trump Says Ukraine Peace Talks Made Progress, But Key Issues Remain

Former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky say talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine have made progress, though major disagreements remain unresolved.

The two leaders met on Sunday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida to discuss an updated peace proposal. While both sides described the discussions as constructive, they stopped short of announcing a breakthrough.

Speaking after the meeting, Trump said negotiations were “getting closer” but acknowledged that some of the most difficult issues, particularly Ukraine’s eastern territories, remain unsettled.

Security Guarantees Near Completion

Zelensky said the United States had offered Ukraine security guarantees lasting 15 years, with the option to extend them. Kyiv, he added, is pushing for guarantees that could cover a longer period to ensure lasting stability.

Trump said an agreement on security assurances was close to being finalized, estimating it was “about 95%” complete. He also indicated that European countries would take on a larger role in supporting Ukraine’s security, with continued backing from Washington.

The US has not publicly confirmed the details of the proposed guarantees.

Donbas Future Still Unclear

Despite progress on security, the future of Ukraine’s Donbas region remains one of the biggest obstacles to a peace deal. Russia currently controls most of Donetsk and nearly all of neighbouring Luhansk, the two regions that make up Donbas.

Trump said the issue remains unresolved but suggested that negotiations are moving in a more positive direction.

Moscow has repeatedly said Ukraine must withdraw its forces from areas of Donbas still under Kyiv’s control. Ukraine has rejected that demand, proposing instead that parts of the region could be developed as a special economic zone under Ukrainian authority. Zelensky has stressed that any decision on the region’s status must involve the Ukrainian people.

Trilateral Talks Floated

Trump also raised the possibility of future talks involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, saying such discussions could take place at an appropriate stage.

He cautioned, however, that if negotiations were to stall or collapse, the conflict could continue.

Zelensky said Ukrainian officials could travel to Washington in January for further discussions, potentially alongside European leaders, as talks progress.

European Response

European leaders welcomed signs of progress but stressed the need for firm commitments.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Florida talks showed “good progress” while underlining the importance of strong security guarantees for Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Ukraine’s allies are expected to meet in Paris next month to discuss security arrangements and the next phase of negotiations.