Trump Claims Progress in Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Continued Territorial Disputes

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that an agreement to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is closer than ever before, although he did not report any significant advancements regarding territorial disputes following new negotiations with the leaders of both nations.

Trump, who had vowed to establish a peace agreement on the very first day of his nearly year-long presidency, mentioned that it would become evident within weeks whether concluding the war, which has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities since February 2022, is achievable.

In a diplomatic push leading up to the New Year, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida, where they convened with senior aides over lunch just a day after Russia launched substantial new assaults on residential areas in the capital, Kyiv.

Similar to Zelensky’s previous meeting with Trump in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin also held a phone conversation with Trump shortly before, who insisted that Moscow was «serious» about pursuing peace despite its ongoing attacks.

“I genuinely believe we are, Mr. President, much closer than we’ve ever been before with both sides,” Trump remarked while Zelensky was present in the tea room at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

“Everyone wants this conflict to end,” he added.

Following their discussions, Zelensky and Trump participated in a joint phone call with key European leaders, who have expressed particular concern regarding any decisions that might encourage Russia.

Zelensky indicated that both he and the European leaders could potentially return for discussions with Trump in Washington in January.

Remaining courteous throughout his visit, Zelensky was likely mindful of the contentious White House meeting on February 28, when Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance publicly criticized him for not expressing sufficient gratitude.

Despite his declared optimism, Trump provided scant details about the progress he referenced, instead veering into familiar grievances regarding his predecessor Joe Biden, who has allocated billions to bolster Ukraine’s defense, while also discussing his amicable relationship with Putin.

Trump acknowledged that disagreements over territory still exist between Kyiv and Moscow. The current proposal, updated after extensive U.S.-Ukrainian discussions, suggests halting the conflict along the existing front lines in the eastern Donbas region and establishing a demilitarized zone, while Russia has long sought territorial concessions.

«It’s still a complex matter, but getting much closer. It’s a tough issue, but one that I believe will eventually be resolved,» Trump stated.

In welcoming Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, Trump remarked, “I’ve resolved eight wars, and this one is the most challenging. I expected it would be somewhere in the middle.”

He also proposed addressing the Ukrainian parliament to advocate for the plan—an idea that Zelensky was quick to embrace, despite its perceived improbability.

Zelensky expressed a willingness to consider the revised U.S. framework, marking Kyiv’s most overt acknowledgment yet of the potential for territorial concessions, though any such agreement would need to be validated by Ukrainian voters in a referendum.

Conversely, Russia has demonstrated no signs of willingness to compromise, feeling optimistic about the progress it has made over the past four years against resilient Ukrainian defenses.

According to the Kremlin’s summary of the talks between Putin and Trump, they urged Kyiv to make a «courageous decision» and promptly withdraw its troops from Donbas, portraying European leaders as obstacles to peace.

«Russia and the United States are united in their stance that the Ukrainian and European proposals for a temporary ceasefire … would only prolong the conflict and reignite hostilities,» stated Yury Ushakov, the Kremlin’s diplomatic advisor, to reporters.

Trump’s advisors have previously suggested the possibility of offering NATO-like security assurances to Ukraine, which would theoretically mean that NATO members would respond militarily if Russia attacks again.

Zelensky confirmed that the peace framework proposed by Trump was «90% agreed» and that «U.S.-Ukraine security guarantees: 100% agreed.»

He noted that both parties were still finalizing a «prosperity plan» for Ukraine and determining the sequence of relevant actions.

Russia has consistently rejected any possibility of the former Soviet republic joining NATO.

In its latest drone and missile offensive, Russia disrupted power and heating for hundreds of thousands of residents amid harsh winter conditions.

“If the authorities in Kyiv are unwilling to resolve this matter peacefully, we will address all issues through military means,” Putin declared on Saturday.