A peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine is “closer than ever”, according to US President Donald Trump, following a two-hour meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida.
Speaking to reporters at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said that significant progress had been made on a proposed peace plan, although key issues concerning the future of eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas region, remain unresolved.
Security guarantees nearly complete
Zelenskyy said that around 90% of a 20-point peace plan had already been agreed. Trump went further, stating that security guarantees for Ukraine were “almost 95% complete”.
“I truly believe we are closer than ever, with both sides,” Trump said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin also wants the conflict to end.
‘One or two difficult issues’ remain
Trump acknowledged that there are still “one or two difficult” outstanding issues, mainly related to territory and the mechanism for ending the war. He also expressed understanding for Russia’s position on a ceasefire.
“There has to be understanding for the other side as well,” he said.
Possible Kyiv visit ahead of vote
The US president said he would be willing to travel to Kyiv to address the Ukrainian parliament ahead of a potential vote on the peace plan, though he suggested such a visit may not be necessary. Zelenskyy responded by telling Trump he would be “always welcome”.
Zelenskyy repeatedly thanked Trump and his team, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, for their involvement in the talks.
Cautious assessments from observers
Despite the positive tone, there are few clear signs that a comprehensive agreement is imminent. The The Guardian noted that substantial gaps remain between the parties.
When asked about the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian occupation since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Trump gave what the Guardian described as a “confused response”, saying Putin was no longer bombing it.
Talks follow Trump–Putin phone call
The meeting came just hours after a lengthy phone conversation between Trump and Putin. “Both leaders want this to end,” Trump said. “I think we can move quite quickly. Otherwise, this will drag on for a very long time.”
Trump also praised Zelenskyy, describing him as “very brave” and commending the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
“I believe the foundations for an agreement are there. We have two willing countries. We are in the final stages of discussions,” Trump concluded.
Sources: The Guardian, BBC