Leaders Discuss Progress on Peace Agreement
PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism on Sunday regarding a potential peace agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, they acknowledged that several complex issues remain unresolved.
The two leaders shared their hopeful outlook following a nearly three-hour discussion at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Despite their positive tone, both emphasized the intricate nature of the negotiations and refrained from providing a specific timeline for reaching an agreement.
“We could be very close,” Trump stated alongside Zelenskyy. “There are one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues, but I think we’re doing very well. We’ve made a lot of progress today.”
Trump pointed out that the fate of the eastern Donbas region poses significant challenges. Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted on claiming the entire Donbas area, including regions not currently under Russian control. In contrast, Zelenskyy remains firm in his position that no territory will be surrendered as part of any peace deal.
“We’re getting closer to an agreement on that. And that’s a big issue,” Trump remarked. “Certainly, that’s one of the big issues, and I think we’re closer.”
Moscow has suggested that Ukraine withdraw from certain territories to establish a demilitarized zone. In response, Zelenskyy proposed creating an economic free zone with international troops and monitors involved.
Related: Trump describes productive phone call with Putin prior to meeting with Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy reiterated his refusal to concede any territory but indicated that ultimately such decisions should be made by the Ukrainian people through a voter referendum or parliamentary vote concerning any aspect of the proposed 20-point peace plan.
<p“You know our position,” he stated. “We have to respect our law and our people. We respect the territory which we control.” He emphasized that Ukrainians should have a say in territorial matters because “it’s their land, not just one person’s land; it belongs to our nation for generations.”
Zelenskyy noted significant consensus on most elements of the 20-point plan discussed with Trump, stating that 90% is agreed upon while achieving full agreement on security guarantees and military aspects.
The Ukrainian president has sought security assurances from the U.S. against future Russian aggression along with commitments for military support from European leaders, envisioning a peacetime military force of 800,000 troops as a deterrent against further attacks from Russia.
Russia has strongly opposed these proposals. While Trump did not specify exact percentages regarding agreed terms, he estimated it could be around 95% settled.
Prior to meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump had a roughly two-and-a-half-hour phone conversation with Putin which he described as “good and very productive,” although details were not disclosed.
A Kremlin spokesperson indicated that both leaders concurred that temporary truces would not halt hostilities in Ukraine. Putin has consistently rejected ceasefire proposals and dismissed Zelenskyy’s legitimacy as president while maintaining demands for substantial portions of Ukrainian territory without agreeing to European or U.S.-led peacekeeping forces.
