Ukraine deal closer but no talks breakthrough: Trump

ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that prospects for ending Russia’s war in Ukraine were better than ever, though he acknowledged that major disagreements remain, particularly over territorial issues, following fresh discussions with leaders from both sides of the conflict.

Trump, who had pledged to secure peace on the first day of his presidency nearly a year ago, said the coming weeks would determine whether a resolution to the war—ongoing since February 2022 and responsible for tens of thousands of deaths—was achievable.

As part of a year-end diplomatic push, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida, where they met with senior officials over lunch. The meeting came just one day after Russia launched heavy attacks on residential neighborhoods in Kyiv.

Ahead of Zelensky’s visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin also held a phone call with Trump. Despite the recent strikes, Trump insisted that Moscow was genuinely interested in peace talks.

Standing alongside Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump said he believed the two sides were closer to an agreement than ever before. He emphasized that all parties wanted the conflict to end.

Following their meeting, Trump and Zelensky jointly held a call with European leaders, who have expressed deep concern about any settlement that might strengthen Russia’s position. Zelensky indicated that further talks involving European leaders and Trump could take place in Washington in January.

Throughout the visit, Zelensky maintained a cautious and respectful tone, aware of the tense exchange during his February White House visit when Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized him publicly.

Ongoing territorial dispute

Despite Trump’s optimism, he provided few specifics about progress, instead revisiting criticisms of former President Joe Biden’s extensive military aid to Ukraine and highlighting his own cordial relationship with Putin.

Trump admitted that Kyiv and Moscow remain divided over territorial control. The latest US-backed proposal would freeze the conflict along current frontlines in eastern Donbas and establish a demilitarized zone, while Russia continues to demand further territorial concessions.

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“The issue isn’t settled yet, but we’re much closer,” Trump said, calling territorial disagreements the most difficult hurdle.

Trump also floated the idea of addressing Ukraine’s parliament to promote the peace plan, a proposal Zelensky welcomed.

Zelensky has shown cautious support for the revised proposal, marking Ukraine’s clearest signal yet that territorial compromises could be considered—though any final decision would require approval through a national referendum.

Russia, however, has not indicated flexibility, believing continued military pressure could improve its position. The Kremlin urged Ukraine to withdraw forces from Donbas, blaming European leaders for obstructing peace.

Security guarantees and next steps

Trump’s advisors have suggested providing Ukraine with NATO-style security assurances, meaning allied nations would respond if Russia attacks again. Zelensky said most elements of Trump’s peace framework were already agreed upon, including full agreement on US-Ukraine security guarantees.

He added that discussions were ongoing regarding Ukraine’s economic recovery plan and the sequencing of steps toward peace.

Russia has firmly opposed Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. Meanwhile, recent Russian drone and missile strikes have left hundreds of thousands without electricity and heating during freezing conditions.

Putin warned that if Kyiv refuses a peaceful resolution, Russia would pursue its objectives through military means.