Trump Optimistic About Ukraine-Russia Progress on Donbas After Zelensky Meeting

On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump commented that Ukraine and Russia were progressing towards resolving the longstanding dispute over the Donbas region, although challenges still remain.

«It’s not finalized, but they’re getting significantly closer. It’s a complicated situation, but I believe it will find a resolution,» Trump stated to reporters during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Zelensky’s visit to Florida aimed to finalize a peace proposal as Trump embarks on a diplomatic push to honor his commitment to end the ongoing conflict by the end of the year.

Similar to their previous encounter in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin had also spoken with Trump over the phone before the meeting, leading Trump to express newfound optimism about collaborating with Moscow. This comes as Russia seeks to lessen the mounting pressure from Ukraine’s allies in Washington and Europe.

Despite prevailing doubts across Europe regarding Putin’s intentions—particularly following a significant attack on Kyiv just as Zelensky made his way to the U.S.—Trump maintained an optimistic outlook. When asked about Putin’s dedication to peace in light of recent aggression, Trump replied, «He takes it very seriously.»

«I have to mention that Ukraine has also launched some significant counterattacks, and I don’t view that negatively. It seems necessary,» Trump added outside his residence.

Prior to their discussions, Trump shared on social media that his conversation with Putin had been «very productive.»

Speaking alongside Zelensky, who was standing slightly lower than him at the doorway in front of cameras, Trump indicated that a forthcoming agreement would benefit Ukraine as well.

«A security agreement is in the works; it will be a robust one,» Trump remarked. «European nations are heavily engaged in this, and they will play a significant role in security and other areas.»

During their meeting, Trump welcomed Zelensky, stating, «I’ve resolved eight wars, and this one is the toughest. I thought it would be somewhere in the middle.»

Trump’s advisers have suggested the possibility of offering NATO-style security assurances to Ukraine, implying that member nations would respond militarily if Russia were to launch further attacks.

The Kremlin provided a more direct account of Trump’s discussions with Putin, indicating that the U.S. leader acknowledged that a simple ceasefire «would merely prolong the conflict,» as it required Ukraine to make territorial concessions.

Zelensky, who has faced criticism from Trump in the past, has demonstrated a readiness to adapt to the U.S. president’s proposals, although Putin has not indicated his acceptance of these terms.

During their October meeting, Trump declined Zelensky’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, reiterating his belief that Putin was showing encouraging signs.

The discussions between Trump and Zelensky were expected to last an hour, after which they were set to hold a joint call with leaders of key European allies. Trump and Putin are also scheduled for another phone call later that day.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who will participate in the call, expressed on X that the Russian strikes on Kyiv ran contrary to President Trump’s expectations and despite Zelensky’s willingness to compromise.

Recent drone and missile strikes on Kyiv resulted in widespread power and heating outages for many residents amid frigid temperatures.

The revised peace proposal, developed after weeks of intense negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine, aims to halt the conflict along existing frontlines and may necessitate Ukraine to withdraw troops from the east, creating demilitarized buffer zones.

This proposal reflects Kyiv’s implicit recognition of potential territorial concessions, yet it does not suggest Ukraine retreating from the 20% of the eastern Donetsk region under its control—the main demand from Russia.

Zelensky was careful to maintain a positive outlook during his encounter with Trump, stating, «It’s crucial for our teams to collaborate on strategy.»

The two leaders then proceeded to the dining room of the president’s residence with senior aides, while Trump asked the press to leave for lunch.

Russia has accused Ukraine and its European allies of attempting to sabotage a prior U.S.-brokered peace plan, and recent territorial advances—with Russia announcing the capture of two additional towns in eastern Ukraine—appear to bolster Moscow’s position in the negotiations.

«If the authorities in Kyiv are unwilling to resolve this matter peacefully, we will address all existing issues through military means,» Putin stated on Saturday.