Trump: US and Ukraine Closer to Peace Deal After Zelenskiy Meeting

U.S. and Ukraine Leaders Discuss Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have expressed optimism about reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine. During a joint news conference held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, both leaders highlighted progress on two of the most contentious issues in peace talks: security guarantees for Ukraine and the division of the Donbas region.

The discussions took place after a meeting between the two leaders, where they emphasized their commitment to resolving the conflict. Although specific details of the proposed agreement were not disclosed, Trump indicated that the negotiations are moving in the right direction. He mentioned that while several key issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding the future of the Donbas region, there is a growing sense of closeness between the parties.

Zelenskiy reported that an agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine has been reached, while Trump remained cautious, stating that they were 95% of the way to such an agreement. He also noted that European countries would play a significant role in supporting this effort with U.S. backing. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, stating that progress had been made on security guarantees and that a coalition of willing nations would meet in Paris in early January to finalize their contributions.

One of the major sticking points in the negotiations is the status of the Donbas region. Zelenskiy has previously expressed hope that the U.S. proposal for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the area could be softened. However, Moscow insists on gaining full control over the region, while Kyiv seeks to maintain the current battle lines. Despite these challenges, both leaders acknowledged that the issue remains unresolved but is being addressed in the right direction.

The U.S. has proposed a free economic zone as part of the potential agreement if Ukraine leaves the Donbas region. However, the practical implementation of such a zone remains unclear. Zelenskiy emphasized that any peace agreement must be approved by Ukraine's parliament or through a referendum. Trump, on the other hand, suggested that he would be willing to engage with the parliament if it helped secure the deal.

Before meeting with Zelenskiy, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a call described as "productive" by Trump and "friendly" by Kremlin officials. During the conversation, Putin reportedly criticized a 60-day ceasefire proposal by the European Union and Ukraine, suggesting that it would prolong the conflict. He also urged Ukraine to make a decision on the Donbas without further delay.

Trump claimed that the call lasted over two hours and that Putin pledged to assist in rebuilding Ukraine, including providing cheap energy. While Trump praised Putin's statements, Zelenskiy appeared to react with a subtle smile. Trump also indicated that he would speak with Putin again following the meeting with Zelenskiy.

The Kremlin expressed support for Trump's efforts to broker a peace deal. Kirill Dmitriev, Putin's special envoy, stated that the world appreciates the U.S. president's work in promoting peace.

Another key topic discussed during the talks was the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. U.S. negotiators have proposed shared control over the facility, which can "start up almost immediately." The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that power line repairs have begun at the plant following a local ceasefire. Trump highlighted that it is a positive step that Russia has not bombed the facility.

Despite the progress in discussions, the conflict continues. Just a day before Zelenskiy arrived in Florida, Russian forces launched attacks on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, causing widespread power outages. Zelenskiy attributed the attacks to Russia's response to U.S.-brokered peace efforts, but Trump maintained that both Putin and Zelenskiy are serious about achieving peace.

European leaders also joined the discussions, either in person or via phone. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized Europe's readiness to work with Ukraine and its U.S. partners. She stressed the importance of strong security guarantees. A spokesman for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also highlighted the need for robust security measures and the urgency of ending the conflict.

As the negotiations continue, the path to peace remains complex. While both leaders express optimism, the resolution of key issues such as the Donbas region and security guarantees will determine the success of the talks. The involvement of international actors, including France and the European Union, underscores the global significance of the situation.

With ongoing attacks and political challenges, the road to a lasting peace remains uncertain. However, the recent developments suggest that dialogue and cooperation are essential in addressing the multifaceted nature of the conflict. The next steps will be crucial in shaping the future of Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.