Trump, Zelenskyy Signal Near-End to Ukraine War in New Peace Talks
Trump, Zelenskyy Signal Near-End to Ukraine War in New Peace Talks
Leaders say major progress toward ending the war with a near-final framework and security guarantees, aiming for a weeks-long timeline.
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emerged from a high-stakes round of talks at Mar-a-Lago claiming 'major progress' toward ending Russia's war in Ukraine. They described a peace deal as 'very close,' while noting it could take a few more weeks to finalize. Zelenskyy said nearly 90% of the peace framework is in place, covering military arrangements and security guarantees involving the US, Europe, and Ukraine. The two leaders also spoke with key European allies, emphasizing that robust guarantees will be essential for a lasting peace. Trump signaled Europe would take a leading role in providing those guarantees, with full support from the United States, and even floated the idea of future talks with Vladimir Putin and possibly a trilateral summit if conditions allow.
Officials hinted that while much of the framework is shaping up, hot-button issues like the Donbas status remain unsettled. In Florida remarks after the meeting, Trump said security guarantees for Ukraine were 'close to 95 percent' complete but acknowledged that key territorial questions still need resolution. Zelenskyy has publicly pushed for longer-term safety assurances, including talks about up to 50 years of guarantees, underscoring the desire for durable security beyond any one presidency. The conversations have also touched on the possibility of a broader diplomatic swing, potentially inviting Russia back to negotiations if conditions improve.
Observers note the timing is delicate, as Russian assaults continue and diplomatic pressure intensifies. The talks come ahead of new rounds of discussions with European partners and reflect a broader push from Washington and its allies to avert a wider confrontation while safeguarding Ukraine's sovereignty. If a framework is finally sealed in the coming weeks, it could mark a turning point, with Europe taking a lead role in guarantees and the U.S. providing steady support while preserving strategic flexibility in future diplomacy.
While optimism runs high, analysts caution that big 'territorial' questions will require concessions from both sides, and actual implementation often faces hurdles. Still, the mood around the talks is cautiously upbeat, with many watching to see whether a formal peace agreement can emerge from the current momentum.
