Trump signals breakthrough in Ukraine peace talks but Donbas remains "difficult"
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine are "very close, perhaps very, very close" to a deal. The statement followed a high-stakes meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mar-a-Lago resort.
Despite the optimistic tone, Trump acknowledged that the status of the Donbas region remains the most difficult unresolved issue. The two leaders held a joint press conference, noting progress on security guarantees and the future of eastern Ukrainian territories.
While no specific deadline was set for a final peace agreement, the U.S. President suggested clarity would emerge within weeks. Trump admitted that "thorny territorial issues" still require resolution before a deal can be signed.
Security guarantees near completion
President Zelenskyy stated that an agreement on security guarantees has already been reached, calling it the "cornerstone of a lasting peace." Trump remained slightly more cautious, describing the deal as "95% there."
The White House expects European nations to lead these security efforts with American support. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed progress on the social media platform X, announcing a meeting in Paris this January to finalize "concrete contributions" from the "Coalition of the Willing."
The Donbas deadlock
The status of the Donbas region continues to be the primary sticking point. Zelenskyy is reportedly trying to soften a U.S. proposal that suggests a full Ukrainian withdrawal from the region—a demand supported by Moscow.
While Russia insists on total control over Donbas, Kyiv is pushing to freeze the frontlines at their current positions. Trump described the discussions as moving in the right direction but admitted the territorial dispute is "extremely difficult."
Diplomatic maneuvers with Putin
Shortly before meeting Zelenskyy, Trump held a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump described the conversation as "productive," while the Kremlin characterized it as "friendly."
Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov noted that Putin rejected a 60-day truce proposed by the EU and Ukraine, arguing it would only prolong the conflict. Putin reportedly emphasized that Ukraine must make a swift decision regarding the Donbas territories.
War continues amidst talks
The Mar-a-Lago summit took place as Russia launched massive missile and drone strikes across Ukraine. The attacks caused widespread power outages and heating failures in Kyiv.
Zelenskyy described the strikes as Moscow’s response to peace efforts. However, Trump maintained that he views both leaders as "serious" about ending the war. Current estimates suggest Russia controls roughly 12% of Ukrainian territory, including 90% of the Donbas.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
