MAR-A-LAGO, FL — US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy are “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine, though “thorny issues” remain, particularly regarding the Donbas region.
The two leaders spoke at a joint press conference at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, highlighting progress on security guarantees for Ukraine and discussions over eastern Ukraine’s contested territories. Trump suggested that a deal could be finalized “in a few weeks,” while Zelenskiy confirmed an agreement on security guarantees had been reached.
Security Guarantees and European Support
Trump said the US is nearly 95% of the way to finalizing robust security guarantees, with European countries expected to take a leading role in ensuring Ukraine’s protection. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed progress on security measures and announced that the “Coalition of the Willing” would meet in Paris in early January to define their contributions.
Zelenskiy emphasized that any peace deal would require approval from Ukraine’s parliament or a referendum, and Trump indicated he would speak to lawmakers if necessary.
Discussions with Putin
Before meeting Zelenskiy, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a call described as “productive” and “friendly.” Trump said Putin pledged to assist in rebuilding Ukraine, including supplying affordable energy, and expressed that Russia “wants to see Ukraine succeed.”
Kremlin officials expressed support for Trump’s negotiations, while noting that decisions on the Donbas region need to be made quickly.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Negotiators also addressed the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, located near the front lines. Trump said progress was made toward a shared control arrangement, though the specifics of the operation are still being discussed.
Draft 20-Point Peace Proposal
A 20-point peace framework is expected to guide negotiations. Key points include: reaffirmation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, robust international security guarantees, a legally binding ceasefire, and economic recovery packages totaling up to $800 billion. The framework also envisions demilitarized zones in contested areas and agreements for shared control over critical infrastructure like the Zaporizhzhia plant.
While significant progress has been made, both leaders acknowledged that the Donbas conflict remains unresolved, with ongoing Russian attacks highlighting the urgency of a diplomatic solution.
Trump and Zelenskiy’s talks signal a potential breakthrough in a war that has lasted nearly four years, with European leaders monitoring developments closely and voicing support for a robust security framework to ensure lasting peace.
