Negotiations for Ukraine peace appear to be gaining momentum following a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday. Zelenskyy stated that US security guarantees for Ukraine were “100% agreed” during the high-stakes talks, a critical step towards a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Discussions also centered on a comprehensive economic plan to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn infrastructure.
The meeting, which included a phone call with European leaders and a separate conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signals a renewed push for diplomatic solutions. Trump indicated that while significant progress was made, particularly regarding security assurances, key sticking points remain, notably the future of occupied territories. The urgency to find a resolution was underscored by Trump’s assertion that the war “must end soon.”
Progress on Ukraine Peace and Security Guarantees
Zelenskyy described the outcome of the talks as yielding “great achievements,” claiming a 20-point peace plan is 90% agreed upon. He specifically highlighted that the military dimension of security guarantees from the US, Europe, and other partners is fully settled. However, the details of these guarantees remain undisclosed at this time.
Trump clarified that Europe is expected to shoulder a substantial portion of the responsibility for Ukraine’s future security, with the US offering support. He also revealed that Putin expressed a desire to halt the fighting, fearing a potential return to conflict should a ceasefire be broken. This contrasts sharply with recent Russian military activity, including a barrage of drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
European Involvement and Next Steps
The involvement of European leaders in a phone call alongside Zelenskyy and Trump demonstrates a coordinated effort to address the crisis. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed optimism about the “good progress” made and pledged continued collaboration with Ukraine and the US. She emphasized the need for “ironclad security guarantees” to prevent further Russian aggression. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also participated in the discussions.
Further negotiations are planned in Washington, D.C. as early as January, involving Ukraine, the US, and European representatives. Zelenskyy expressed hope that all agreements will be finalized and approved within the next month, suggesting a potential window for a breakthrough before the New Year. This timeline is ambitious, given the complexities of the remaining issues.
Territorial Disputes and Russia’s Position
Despite the progress, the issue of territorial concessions remains a major obstacle. Trump acknowledged that “some of that land is maybe up for grabs,” specifically referencing the contested Donbas region. He described the situation as “very tough” and requiring further negotiation between Ukraine and Russia. This suggests a potential willingness from the US to explore compromises on territorial integrity, a sensitive issue for Kyiv.
According to Trump, Putin continues to demand complete control over Ukraine’s eastern regions and opposes a ceasefire. However, he also indicated that Putin is “working with Ukraine on getting [the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant] open,” suggesting a possible area of cooperation. The ZNPP, currently occupied by Russian forces, has been a source of international concern due to the risk of a nuclear accident. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly called for its demilitarization.
In a surprising statement, Trump claimed Putin believes Ukraine should “succeed” as a country. This assertion is at odds with Moscow’s actions and rhetoric throughout the conflict, which have often questioned Ukraine’s legitimacy as an independent nation. Meanwhile, Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, causing widespread power outages and economic hardship.
The situation remains fluid and highly complex. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the momentum generated at Mar-a-Lago can translate into a lasting Ukraine peace agreement. Observers will be closely watching the upcoming negotiations in Washington and any shifts in Russia’s position. For ongoing updates on the Ukraine conflict and potential resolutions, stay tuned to reliable news sources.
