Mar-a-Lago, Florida – Progress toward ending the nearly four-year war in Ukraine was reported following talks between president Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, though a key sticking point remains: the status of occupied territory. The two leaders described the discussions as “great,” but significant hurdles persist.
Zelensky, addressing reporters at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, stated that an agreement had been reached on “90%” of a 20-point peace plan. Trump echoed the sentiment, claiming a security guarantee for Ukraine was “close to 95%” finalized. Further negotiations between US and Ukrainian teams are scheduled for next week, Zelensky announced via a statement on the Telegram messaging app.
Territorial Disputes Remain the Central Challenge
Negotiations have advanced considerably, but the future of land controlled by Russia continues to be a major obstacle to a lasting peace.
- Both presidents acknowledged substantial progress in peace talks.
- The primary unresolved issue centers on the control of Ukrainian territory, particularly in the Donbas region.
- A security guarantee for Ukraine is nearing completion, according to both leaders.
- Further discussions are planned to address remaining concerns.
The issue of land remains “unresolved,” Trump admitted, noting “one or two very thorny issues” still need addressing. he specifically highlighted the Donbas region, where Russia currently controls substantial territory. “Some of that land has been taken,” Trump said, adding that some areas “might potentially be up for grabs” in the coming months.
Moscow controls approximately 75% of the donetsk region and 99% of the neighboring Luhansk region, collectively known as Donbas. Russia seeks Ukraine’s withdrawal from the remaining Ukrainian-controlled portions of Donbas, while Kyiv proposes a demilitarized zone policed by Ukrainian forces.
What is the current status of territorial control in Ukraine? – Russia occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine,primarily in the Donbas region.
Trump’s position on Ukraine’s lost territories has shifted over time.In September, he suggested Ukraine might be able to reclaim the land, but later reversed course, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. “That is a very tough issue,” he stated. “One that will get resolved.”
The US president also revealed he had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during wich he expressed a belief that Putin “wants Ukraine to succeed.” However, trump acknowledged Putin’s disinterest in a ceasefire that would allow Ukraine to hold a referendum on the occupied territories. “I understand that position,” he added.
Yuri Ushakov, a Russian foreign policy advisor and former US ambassador, confirmed the call was initiated by Trump.He stated that both presidents agreed a proposed temporary ceasefire from the EU and ukraine would likely prolong the conflict.
Zelensky indicated Ukrainian officials could meet with counterparts at the White House in January, possibly alongside European leaders, to finalize the details of further negotiations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a call with European allies, praised the “good progress” made in Florida while emphasizing the need for “ironclad security guarantees” for Ukraine.
