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Donald Trump has declared that a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine is
“closer than ever,” following an extended and closely watched meeting with
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida. The talks, held at Trump’s
Mar-a-Lago residence, came amid intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve a
conflict that has devastated Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
While Trump expressed optimism and claimed that a draft deal was nearly
complete, he also acknowledged that several “thorny” issues remain unresolved —
particularly the future of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region and the broader
question of security guarantees. The meeting highlighted both the potential for
progress and the deep divisions that continue to complicate any lasting
settlement.
A Meeting Framed by Urgency and Uncertainty
The Florida meeting took place after Trump held a lengthy phone call with Russian
President Vladimir Putin earlier the same day. According to Trump, both leaders
expressed a desire to see the war end, reinforcing his belief that the conditions for
a breakthrough may finally be aligning.
“I really think we are closer than ever with both sides,” Trump told reporters,
claiming that a draft peace agreement was “95% done.” He added that Putin also
wants to “see it happen,” though he admitted that major questions around
territory and the war’s conclusion remain unresolved.
Zelenskyy, standing alongside Trump, echoed cautious optimism. He said Ukrainian
and US negotiators had made significant progress in recent weeks, with
approximately “90%” of the draft peace plan agreed upon. Still, neither leader
announced a final deal, underscoring how fragile and complex the negotiations
remain.
The Donbas Dilemma: A Core Obstacle to Peace
At the heart of the negotiations lies the future of eastern Ukraine, particularly the
Donbas region. Russia continues to demand territorial concessions, including
areas its forces have been unable to fully capture through military means.
Trump acknowledged that territorial questions are among the most difficult to
resolve. “There are one or two very tough issues,” he said, adding that
understanding “the other side” was necessary — a remark that drew concern
among Ukraine’s supporters.
Ukraine has proposed a counter-plan that would involve a demilitarized zone and a
mutual withdrawal from the current line of contact, potentially followed by a
national referendum. However, Kyiv insists that any such process must be preceded
by a ceasefire lasting between 60 and 90 days — something Russia has so far
refused to guarantee.
Security Guarantees: Ukraine’s Non-Negotiable Demand
One of the most significant unresolved issues is security. Ukraine has repeatedly
emphasized that any peace agreement must include credible guarantees to
prevent future Russian aggression.
Trump has not committed the United States to providing direct military guarantees,
a stance that has raised alarms among Ukrainian officials and European allies. The
earlier US-backed framework, initially presented in November, was criticized for
placing heavy demands on Ukraine while offering limited assurances of long-term
protection.
Zelenskyy has been clear that peace without security is temporary. Speaking
recently alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, he stressed that Ukraine
needs both pressure on Russia and sustained international support to ensure a
just and lasting peace.
Mixed Signals From Moscow
Despite Trump’s optimistic tone, there are few indications that Russia is prepared
to compromise on its maximalist demands. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said
Trump “listened carefully” to Moscow’s assessment of the conflict but dismissed
proposed ceasefires backed by Ukraine and Europe as measures that would only
“prolong the fighting.”
On the same day as the Florida talks, Russia’s defense ministry announced the
seizure of several settlements in eastern and southern Ukraine — a move widely
interpreted as an attempt to signal strength and inevitability ahead of
negotiations.
Ukraine, however, disputed these claims, stating that its defenses were holding and
that Ukrainian forces had recently regained control over parts of Kupiansk in the
Kharkiv region.
Optics and Diplomacy at Mar-a-Lago
The symbolism surrounding the meeting was closely scrutinized. Trump greeted
Zelenskyy with a formal handshake rather than a warm embrace, and US officials
did not meet the Ukrainian president at the airport — a contrast to the reception
Trump previously afforded Putin during their summit in Alaska.
Nevertheless, the tone of the talks appeared markedly improved compared to
earlier encounters. Trump praised Zelenskyy as “very brave” and commended the
resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Zelenskyy, for his part, repeatedly thanked Trump and his team, including envoy
Steve Witkoff and senior advisers such as Jared Kushner. Ukrainian officials have
worked diligently to repair relations with a White House perceived as increasingly
sympathetic to Moscow.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Raises Questions
One moment that raised eyebrows among observers came when Trump was asked
about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, occupied by Russian forces since
early in the war. Trump appeared uncertain in his response, claiming that Putin
was no longer bombing the facility and suggesting cooperation that Ukraine has
not confirmed.
The nuclear plant remains one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the conflict,
with international agencies repeatedly warning of the risks posed by ongoing
military activity in the area.
War Continues as Talks Drag On
Even as diplomats discussed peace, the fighting on the ground intensified. Over a
single night, Russia launched more than 500 drones and missiles across Ukraine,
killing civilians and leaving hundreds of thousands without power in Kyiv.
Trump declined to directly condemn the attacks and suggested that both sides had
engaged in aggressive actions. His remarks drew criticism from analysts who argue
that equating Ukraine’s defense with Russia’s offensive campaign ignores the
fundamental dynamics of the war.
Ukraine has continued to strike back, including a drone attack on an oil refinery in
Russia’s Samara region, demonstrating that neither side is easing military
pressure.
European Allies Watching Closely
European leaders remain deeply invested in the outcome of the talks. Zelenskyy
said he briefed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the situation and informed him
of Russia’s continued strikes.
Trump stated that European leaders would join discussions via video link, signaling
that any agreement would require broader international backing. Still, skepticism
remains over whether Russia would accept proposals such as the deployment of
European peacekeepers — an idea Moscow has already dismissed.
Is Peace Really “Closer Than Ever”?
Trump’s assertion that peace is within reach reflects both ambition and uncertainty.
He has repeatedly expressed frustration with the slow pace of negotiations and
has acknowledged that resolving the conflict is far more difficult than he
anticipated during the 2024 campaign.
“It’s possible it doesn’t happen,” Trump admitted. “In a few weeks, we’ll know one
way or another.”
Observers warn that without direct pressure on Russia — including firm
consequences for continued aggression — negotiations risk becoming a process
without an outcome.
As one humanitarian leader noted, peace cannot be achieved by agreements made
without the active and genuine participation of the aggressor. As long as Russia
continues its heaviest attacks in months, doubts will linger over its commitment to
any deal it did not fully endorse.
A Fragile Moment for Ukraine’s Future
The Florida meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy represents one of the most
consequential diplomatic moments of the war so far. It showed improved dialogue,
tentative progress, and a shared desire to end the bloodshed.
Yet the road to peace remains fraught with unresolved disputes over territory,
security guarantees, and trust. With fighting intensifying and Russia signaling little
willingness to compromise, optimism must be tempered by realism.
Whether Trump’s claim that peace is “closer than ever” proves accurate will depend
not on rhetoric, but on concrete actions — particularly from Moscow — in the
weeks ahead.
