Trump Sees Serious Commitment from Zelensky and Putin in Peace Negotiations

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed on Sunday his belief that both Ukrainian and Russian leaders are genuinely committed to achieving peace, as he communicated with them during what he termed the final stages of his efforts to terminate the conflict.

Trump, who pledged to conclude the ongoing war from the very first day of his presidency, stated that he does not have a specific timeline. Instead, he is initiating a diplomatic push before the year’s end, welcoming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to his estate in Florida.

Similar to their previous interaction in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin also had a phone conversation with Trump shortly before Zelensky’s arrival. This exchange led Trump to express optimism about collaborating with Moscow, which has been attempting to mitigate pressure from Ukraine’s allies in both Washington and Europe.

Despite significant doubts in Europe about Putin’s true intentions—especially following another large-scale attack on Kyiv coinciding with Zelensky’s travel to Florida—Trump maintained a hopeful outlook. When questioned about Putin’s commitment to peace in light of the assaults, Trump replied, «He’s very serious.»

«I believe Ukraine has executed some very forceful responses, and I don’t mean that negatively. I think that’s likely necessary,» he commented outside his estate.

Before the discussions commenced, Trump took to social media to describe his dialogue with Putin as «very productive.»

Standing next to Zelensky, who was positioned below him during the press event, Trump asserted that an impending agreement would bode well for Ukraine.

«There will be a security agreement. It’s going to be a robust one,» Trump stated, adding, «European countries are heavily involved in that. They will play a significant role in protection and more.»

Trump welcomed Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, remarking, «I’ve resolved eight conflicts, and this is the toughest. I expected it to be more manageable.»

Previously, Trump’s advisors had floated the proposal of providing Ukraine with NATO-style security guarantees, which would imply that alliance members would take military action if Russia were to strike again.

The Kremlin provided a more explicit summary of Trump’s conversation with Putin, indicating that Trump concurred that merely achieving a ceasefire «would only extend the conflict» and urged Ukraine to make territorial compromises.

Zelensky, who has faced criticism from Trump in the past, has been keen to demonstrate openness to the U.S. leader’s vision; however, Putin has not indicated any willingness to accept this.

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

The discussions between Trump and Zelensky are expected to last around an hour, after which the two presidents will have a joint call with the leaders of significant European allies.

Additionally, Trump and Putin are scheduled for another phone call later on Sunday.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who will participate in the call, remarked on social media that the Russian assaults on Kyiv contradicted President Trump’s hopes and were occurring despite Zelensky’s readiness to compromise.

The drone and missile attacks on Kyiv temporarily disrupted power and heating for hundreds of thousands of residents amidst frigid temperatures.

The revised peace proposal, which emerged from several weeks of intense negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine, aims to halt the war along the current front lines and might necessitate Ukraine withdrawing troops from eastern regions, potentially establishing demilitarized buffer zones.

Nevertheless, it does not require Ukraine to retreat from the 20% of the eastern Donetsk area it currently holds, which remains Russia’s primary territorial demand.

Zelensky remained optimistic during his meeting with Trump, stating, «It is essential for our teams to strategize together.»

Subsequently, both leaders proceeded to the dining room at the presidential residence, surrounded by senior aides, while Trump asked the press to step out and have lunch.

Russia has accused Ukraine and its European partners of attempting to «undermine» a previous U.S.-mediated initiative aimed at cessation of hostilities. Recent military advances—Russia announced on Saturday that it had captured two additional towns in eastern Ukraine—are perceived as strengthening Moscow’s position in negotiations.

«If the authorities in Kyiv are unwilling to resolve this matter peacefully, we’ll address all challenges through military means,» Putin declared on Saturday.