West Palm Beach, Florida: President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday they were nearing agreement on a proposed peace plan to end Russia’s nearly four-year war in Ukraine, though both leaders acknowledged that major obstacles remain and no final deal has been reached.
The two leaders met for more than two and a half hours at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, discussing a revised 20-point peace proposal developed by U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators. Speaking to reporters afterward, Trump said negotiations were making progress but warned that success was not guaranteed.
“I do think we’re getting a lot closer, maybe very close,” Trump said. “It’s possible it doesn’t happen. In a few weeks, we’ll know one way or another.”
Zelensky described the talks as “a great meeting” and said the draft peace plan was “90 percent” complete, the same figure he cited before the meeting. He said the two sides had agreed on the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine, though discussions would continue.
Security Guarantees and Economic Provisions among Ukraine peace talks
“This is a very strong agreement,” Zelenskyy wrote, adding that the guarantees would last for 15 years, with the possibility of extension.
Zelenskyy also said Trump confirmed an accompanying economic package that would include “the entry of American business, special conditions for Ukraine’s development and reconstruction, and the development of a free trade agreement with the United States.”
Trump was more cautious in public comments, saying Europe would play a leading role in Ukraine’s future security. “We want to work with Europe, and Europe is going to take over a big part of it,” he said.
Putin consulted ahead of meeting
The meeting took place hours after Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a call the U.S. president described as “good and very productive.” Trump said he told Putin they had “got to make a deal.”
“I think he is serious about peace,” Trump said. “He wants to see it happen. He told me very strongly, I believe him.”
Zelenskyy, whose country endured fresh Russian missile and drone attacks over the weekend, said Russia’s actions raised doubts about Moscow’s intentions. He said he told Trump that it was crucial for Putin’s words to be matched by actions.
Territorial disputes remain unresolved
Both leaders acknowledged that the most difficult issues center on territory, particularly Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, and control of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest.
“The territorial issues are a very tough question,” Trump said, noting that “some of that land has been taken, and some of that land is maybe up for grabs.”
Trump suggested that reaching a deal sooner could prevent further Russian advances. “Are you better off making a deal now?” he asked.
Zelenskyy has said he is willing to submit any peace agreement involving territorial changes to a national referendum, as required by Ukraine’s constitution, but stressed that a cease-fire would be needed first. Russia has rejected proposals for a temporary truce.
Russian officials said earlier Sunday that Trump and Putin “generally share similar views” that a temporary cease-fire would only prolong the conflict. A Kremlin aide said Ukraine should soon decide what to do with the Donbas region “given the situation on the front lines.”
Tone marks contrast with earlier meetings
Sunday’s talks were notable for their relatively warm tone compared with previous encounters between Trump and Zelenskyy. Their first meeting during Trump’s second term, in February, was contentious and ended early after American officials criticized Zelenskyy for insufficiently thanking the United States.
This time, Trump praised the Ukrainian leader upon greeting him at Mar-a-Lago. “This gentleman has worked very hard, and is very brave, and his people are very brave,” he said.
Zelenskyy, in turn, repeatedly thanked Trump during his remarks.
The informal setting of Trump’s Florida residence appeared to soften the exchange. “He walked in, he said, ‘This place is gorgeous,’” Trump said of Zelenskyy. “I don’t think he wants to go to the White House anymore.”
Talks to continue
Both leaders said negotiations would continue in the coming weeks. Trump said U.S., Ukrainian and European teams would keep meeting, potentially in Washington, and that he planned further conversations with Putin.
“If it went really well, it could take a few weeks,” Trump said of reaching a deal, adding, “But it could also go poorly.”
For now, officials on all sides emphasized progress while acknowledging that the final and most politically sensitive issues remain unresolved.
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