The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has injected fresh momentum into global efforts to end the prolonged war in Ukraine. Held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, the talks were closely watched as both leaders hinted that negotiations are closer to a breakthrough than at any point since the conflict began.
Despite the optimism, unresolved territorial disputes — particularly over the Donbas region — continue to cast a shadow over the peace process. Both leaders acknowledged progress on key issues, while also admitting that some of the most politically sensitive questions remain open.
The discussions underscored a shifting diplomatic landscape, with Europe expected to take on a larger role in post-war security and reconstruction. As fighting continues on the ground, the meeting highlighted both the possibilities and limitations of diplomacy in one of the world’s most complex geopolitical crises.
Trump and Zelensky Signal Progress but Avoid Deadlines
Speaking at a joint press conference after their meeting, Donald Trump said negotiations to end the Ukraine war were “moving in the right direction” and closer to a deal than ever before. He described the talks as productive, stating that both sides were “getting very close” to an agreement.
However, Trump refrained from offering specific timelines or detailed terms. He acknowledged that while discussions were about 95 percent complete, several “thorny issues” remained unresolved, making it difficult to predict when a final agreement could be reached.
Zelensky echoed this cautious optimism, saying progress had been made on core principles but stressing that any deal must ensure Ukraine’s long-term security and sovereignty.
Donbas Remains the Central Sticking Point
The fate of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region emerged once again as the most contentious issue. Trump confirmed that Donbas remains unresolved, calling it one of the toughest elements of the negotiations.
Ukraine has resisted proposals that would require a full withdrawal of its forces from the region, arguing that such a move would amount to conceding territory. Zelensky has instead advocated for freezing front lines at their current positions as a basis for peace.
Russia, however, has demanded full control of Donbas, making it a critical hurdle that both sides admit could determine the success or failure of the talks.
Security Guarantees Seen as Key Breakthrough
Zelensky described an agreement on post-war security guarantees as the most significant milestone achieved during the talks. He emphasized that lasting peace would only be possible if Ukraine receives credible assurances against future aggression.
Trump indicated that European nations would play a major role in providing these guarantees, with the United States offering backing and coordination rather than direct long-term deployment.
This approach reflects a broader shift toward shared responsibility, with Europe expected to shoulder more of the security burden once active hostilities end.
Role of Europe in the Peace Process
Following their meeting, Trump and Zelensky reportedly held calls with several European leaders, including heads of key EU states. The outreach was aimed at aligning positions and ensuring European involvement in both security and reconstruction plans.
Zelensky said Trump had agreed to host European leaders again, potentially at the White House, to further consolidate diplomatic efforts.
The inclusion of Europe highlights recognition that any sustainable settlement will require coordinated international support beyond bilateral US-Ukraine talks.
Trump’s Engagement with Putin Ahead of Talks
Just before Zelensky arrived in Florida, Trump held a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump later described the conversation as productive and said it lasted more than two hours.
According to Trump, Putin expressed willingness to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction, including through energy supplies. These remarks drew attention due to their contrast with the ongoing hostilities.
Trump said he planned to speak with Putin again following his meeting with Zelensky, indicating continued parallel engagement with both sides.
Russia’s Position on Territory and NATO
Despite diplomatic engagement, Russia’s core demands remain unchanged. Moscow continues to insist that Russian-occupied territories, including Crimea and parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, be recognized as Russian.
The Kremlin has also demanded that Ukraine abandon its bid to join NATO and has warned against any deployment of NATO troops in the country.
Kyiv has firmly rejected these conditions, arguing they undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and future security.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Part of Negotiations
The talks also addressed the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which remains under Russian control. The facility has been a major source of international concern due to safety risks.
US negotiators have proposed shared control of the plant as part of broader confidence-building measures. Trump said progress had been made and suggested the plant could resume operations quickly.
The issue is seen as both a security and humanitarian priority, given the plant’s importance to regional energy supply.
Ukrainian Parliamentary Approval Required
Zelensky stressed that any peace agreement would require approval from Ukraine’s parliament or potentially a national referendum. He said such a step was essential to ensure democratic legitimacy.
Trump responded by saying he would be willing to address Ukraine’s parliament if it helped secure support for the deal.
This emphasis on internal approval reflects the political sensitivity of territorial concessions and security arrangements.
War Continues Despite Diplomatic Momentum
Even as talks advanced, fighting continued on the ground. In the days leading up to the meeting, Russian forces launched extensive missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Parts of Kyiv and other regions experienced power and heating outages, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian toll of the conflict.
Zelensky described the attacks as Russia’s response to peace efforts, underscoring the fragile nature of the diplomatic process.
Territorial Control and Current Reality
Russia currently controls Crimea and significant portions of eastern and southern Ukraine, including large parts of Donbas, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
These territorial realities complicate negotiations, as both sides face domestic pressure not to compromise on land.
The gap between military realities and political demands remains one of the most difficult challenges facing negotiators.
What the Talks Mean Going Forward
The Trump-Zelensky meeting highlighted that while peace may be closer than before, the final steps will be the hardest. Decisions on territory, security guarantees and international involvement carry long-term consequences.
For Ukraine, the priority remains safeguarding sovereignty and preventing future aggression. For the United States and Europe, the challenge lies in balancing stability with international law.
As diplomacy continues, the world will be watching to see whether the momentum from these talks can translate into a lasting and just peace.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
