US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that a deal to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was closer than ever, but acknowledged that no breakthrough had been reached on the sensitive issue of territory following fresh talks with leaders of both countries.
Trump, who had pledged to secure peace on the first day of his nearly year-old presidency, said it would become clear within weeks whether the conflict — which has killed tens of thousands — could be resolved.
As part of a pre-New Year diplomatic push, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Florida estate. Zelensky said the peace plan was about 95 per cent complete, despite Russia launching fresh attacks on residential areas in Kyiv a day earlier.
As with their previous meeting in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone with Trump shortly before the Zelensky talks. Trump insisted that Moscow was “serious” about peace despite the renewed assault.
“I really believe we’re probably far closer than ever before with both parties,” Trump said, adding that “everybody wants it ended.”
Zelensky listened politely, showing brief disbelief when Trump said Putin, who ordered the February 2022 invasion, “wants to see Ukraine succeed,” including through low-cost energy supplies.
Careful not to antagonise Trump after a tense White House meeting earlier this year that briefly disrupted US support, Zelensky remained reserved as Trump digressed into criticism of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Call to Europeans
After the meeting, Trump and Zelensky held a joint call with key European leaders, who have voiced concern about any agreement that could embolden Russia. Zelensky said further talks with European leaders and Trump could take place in Washington in January, while French President Emmanuel Macron announced another meeting of Ukraine’s allies in Paris early next year.
Trump confirmed that Kyiv and Moscow remain divided over territory. The current US-backed proposal would freeze the conflict along existing frontlines in eastern Donbas and establish a demilitarised zone, while Russia continues to demand territorial concessions.
“It’s unresolved, but it’s getting a lot closer,” Trump said. “That’s a very tough issue, but one that I think will get resolved.”
Trump also offered to address the Ukrainian parliament to promote the plan, an idea Zelensky quickly welcomed.
Zelensky’s acceptance of the revised proposal marks Kyiv’s clearest acknowledgement yet that territorial concessions could be considered, subject to a national referendum. Russia, however, has shown little sign of compromise, encouraged by gradual gains on the battlefield.
The Kremlin said Putin urged Kyiv to make a “bold and responsible decision” by withdrawing troops from Donbas, while blaming European leaders for obstructing Trump’s efforts. It also warned that a temporary ceasefire would only prolong the conflict and risk renewed escalation.
Trump and Putin are expected to speak again soon, according to Kremlin officials.
Trump’s advisers have previously suggested NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine, under which alliance members would respond if Russia attacked again. Zelensky said the peace framework was “90 per cent agreed,” adding that US-Ukraine security guarantees were “100 per cent agreed,” although Russia has firmly rejected any move towards Ukrainian NATO membership.
