Trump Signals Potential Breakthrough in Ukraine Peace Talks, Cites Progress with Putin
A renewed push for diplomacy between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia suggests a possible shift in the ongoing conflict, though significant hurdles remain.
Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago estate, US President Donald Trump indicated that a breakthrough in ending the war in Ukraine is “getting a lot closer.” The discussions, held after a recent escalation of attacks by Russia on Kyiv, represent a culmination of diplomatic efforts to resolve the largest land war in Europe in eight decades. However, details regarding concrete progress toward a peace agreement remain scarce.
Zelenskyy echoed the sentiment of cautious optimism, stating that he and Trump discussed “all aspects” of a 20-point peace plan and were “90 per cent” of the way toward a deal. He further claimed that the military components of the proposal had been “100 per cent agreed” upon, though specific details were not disclosed. Both leaders engaged in subsequent conversations with key European figures, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen “welcomed” the “good progress” reported during the talks, emphasizing Europe’s readiness to collaborate with the US and Ukraine to solidify any advancements. She stressed the importance of “ironclad security guarantees from day one” as a crucial element of any lasting resolution.
Prior to his meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump revealed he had a “good and very productive” two-hour telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the aftermath of the Ukraine-US meeting, Trump offered praise for Putin, asserting that the Russian president “wants to see Ukraine succeed.”
Despite the positive rhetoric, Trump cautioned that “thorny” issues still impede a final agreement, stating, “the word agreed is too strong, but we are getting closer.” A central point of contention revolves around “land,” a clear reference to the deep divisions between Moscow and Kyiv regarding potential territorial concessions. Putin continues to demand that Ukraine unilaterally withdraw from the Donbas region, a position Trump’s earlier plan – developed with Russian input – sought to accommodate by recognizing the area as Russian territory, a proposition Zelenskyy has firmly rejected.
The status of the Donbas region remains “unresolved,” with Trump acknowledging the possibility of a “demilitarised zone” or “economic zone,” as suggested by Zelenskyy in recent weeks. Zelenskyy has proposed a troop pullback to create an economic zone, contingent on Russia’s reciprocal actions and the territory remaining officially part of Ukraine under international monitoring. He emphasized that any territorial concessions would require a referendum among the Ukrainian people, stating, “Of course our society has to choose and it has to vote, because it’s their land, not the land of one person, it’s the land of our nation.”
Regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, a critical demand for Kyiv, Trump indicated a desire to “work with Europe,” suggesting they would “take over a big part of it.” He also offered to address the Ukrainian parliament, believing it could “help save 25,000 lives a month” and facilitate a peace deal.
Putin reportedly expressed openness to collaborating with Kyiv on the future control of the Zaporizhzhia power station – Europe’s largest nuclear plant, currently under Russian control – under a potential peace agreement. Trump stated, “We discussed it, it’s in good shape and can start up immediately. Putin is working with Ukraine to get it open,” adding that this development is significant “when he’s not bombing that plant.”
However, Zelenskyy conveyed to European leaders that he does not anticipate Russia abandoning its uncompromising demands or accepting Ukraine’s proposed plan, but urged the US to increase pressure on Russia, according to sources briefed on the call. Russia has already signaled its rejection of any amendments Ukraine might propose to Trump’s earlier 28-point plan, which was drafted with substantial Russian input.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted on Sunday that Kyiv is attempting to avoid “constructive negotiations” to end the war. Putin, in a public appearance while wearing a military uniform, reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to achieving its objectives by force if Kyiv rejects its peace conditions.
