U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met on Sunday in a renewed diplomatic effort to move closer to ending the war in Ukraine, with both sides signaling progress while acknowledging that critical issues are still unresolved.
The talks were held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and focused on a proposed 20-point peace plan intended to lay the groundwork for a possible settlement. According to accounts from the meeting, discussions helped narrow differences on several fronts but did not yet produce a final agreement.
Zelenskyy traveled to the United States to engage directly with Trump on the most sensitive aspects of the negotiations, particularly Ukraine’s long-term security guarantees and territorial concerns. These issues remain central to any potential deal and continue to complicate the path forward.
After the meeting, Trump told reporters that the two sides were “very close” to an agreement, though he stopped short of offering details. International news agency Reuters reported that both leaders said some complex matters are still under discussion.
Trump said the outcome of the talks would become clearer within the coming weeks. Zelenskyy said agreement had been reached on the principle of security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump described that progress as about 95 percent complete, noting that European countries would be expected to take a major role, with backing from the United States.
The future of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region remains the most difficult and sensitive issue. Russia has long demanded the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the area, while Ukraine has sought to soften that position and preserve its current defensive lines. Trump said the Donbas question is challenging but added that discussions are moving toward possible solutions.
The Mar-a-Lago meeting came shortly after a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump described that conversation as “productive,” while Kremlin officials said it was “friendly.” Russian officials have argued that a proposed 60-day ceasefire supported by the European Union and Ukraine could prolong the conflict rather than resolve it.
Diplomatic efforts are unfolding against the backdrop of continued fighting. On Saturday, Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles targeting Kyiv and other regions, disrupting electricity and heating services in parts of the capital. Zelenskyy said the strikes were a response to U.S.-mediated peace efforts. Trump said he believes both Putin and Zelenskyy are serious about seeking peace.
Russia has claimed it has gained momentum on the battlefield in recent months, estimating it now controls about 12 percent of Ukrainian territory, including large parts of Donbas. Ukraine has said it wants to hold the current front lines.
Among possible compromise ideas under discussion are a U.S. proposal to designate Donbas as a free economic zone and a plan to jointly operate the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Diplomatic activity around the conflict has intensified in recent weeks, with European countries working to shape post-war security arrangements—an effort the United States has indicated it would support.
