U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine have inched forward, but significant disagreements persist — especially regarding control of the contested Donbas region.
The leaders spoke at a joint press event following talks at Trump’s estate. Both emphasized advancements on core aspects of peace discussions, while acknowledging that a comprehensive settlement is not yet finalized.
“We’re getting a lot closer, maybe very close,” Trump said, but added that several “thorny issues” must be resolved before a deal is complete. He suggested clarity on a final agreement could come within “a few weeks.”
Security Guarantees and Territorial Talks
Zelenskiy indicated there is broad agreement on the need for security guarantees that would reassure Ukraine once hostilities end. Trump described the discussions as roughly 95% complete, adding that European partners are expected to take a lead role in implementing parts of the framework.
French President Emmanuel Macron later confirmed progress on security guarantees and said a group of supporting nations will meet in Paris in early January to finalize contributions.
The future status of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region — a major source of tension — remains unresolved. Moscow insists on complete control of the area, while Kyiv seeks to maintain current defense lines. The U.S. has floated the idea of a special economic zone should Ukraine vacate certain territories, but details on how this would operate have not been finalized.
“It’s unresolved, but it’s getting a lot closer,” Trump said of Donbas negotiations.
Zelenskiy stressed that any peace plan would need approval from Ukraine’s parliament, or possibly through a national referendum. Trump said he would be willing to address parliament if it helped secure ratification of an agreement.
Trump and Putin Talk Ahead of Summit
Just before Zelenskiy’s arrival in Florida, Trump held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Trump described as “productive” and the Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov called “friendly.”
According to Ushakov, Putin warned that a proposed 60-day ceasefire backed by the EU and Ukraine could prolong fighting and urged Ukraine to make a decision on Donbas without delay. Trump said Putin also offered to assist with Ukraine’s reconstruction and energy supplies, although he acknowledged critics might find that statement surprising.
Following the Mar-a-Lago meeting, Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for Putin, praised Trump’s role in peace negotiations, saying the world appreciated U.S. efforts.
Nuclear Plant and Battleground Updates
U.S. negotiators have also discussed shared management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility after partial ceasefire-enabled repair work improved local power lines, which the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed.
Meanwhile, Russian military actions continue. Russian forces launched extensive missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities over the weekend, disrupting power and heating systems. Trump, however, expressed confidence that both he and Putin remain committed to finding a diplomatic path.
Putin has warned that Russia will continue military operations if Ukraine does not pursue peace swiftly. Russian advances have extended into several strategic areas in recent months.
Global Leaders Signal Support
European leaders joined parts of Sunday’s discussions by phone. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe remains ready to collaborate with the U.S. and Ukraine, emphasizing that strong security guarantees will be key to lasting peace.
A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed that view, highlighting the need for robust protections and underscoring the urgency of ending the conflict.