Trump, Zelenskiy Report Progress Toward Ukraine Peace Deal, Donbas Remains Unresolved

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said they are “getting a lot closer” to a potential agreement to end the war in Ukraine, following talks at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Both leaders reported meaningful progress on key issues, particularly security guarantees for Ukraine and negotiations over the contested Donbas region. While Zelenskiy said an agreement on security guarantees has been reached, Trump noted discussions are “95%” complete and suggested European partners may shoulder a major role in supporting Ukraine’s security framework.

However, the fate of the Donbas remains the main sticking point, with both sides confirming the issue is still unresolved. Kyiv hopes to prevent a full withdrawal from the region, while Moscow insists on total control. The United States has floated a compromise proposal involving a free economic zone if Ukrainian forces leave the area, though its implementation remains unclear. Trump said negotiations on the territory are “moving in the right direction,” while acknowledging it remains one of the “toughest issues” in the talks.

The leaders also discussed post-war security arrangements and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, where negotiators have reportedly made progress. The meeting came shortly after Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who criticized proposals for a ceasefire and urged quicker decisions on Donbas. Despite renewed Russian strikes across Ukraine over the weekend, Trump said he believes both Kyiv and Moscow are now serious about pursuing peace, while European leaders expressed continued support for securing durable guarantees for Ukraine.

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