President Donald Trump said the United States and Ukraine are “a lot closer” to reaching a peace agreement after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida on Dec. 28.
The two leaders met at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach. They discussed a U.S.-backed plan aimed at ending the nearly three-year war between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump expressed optimism following the talks. He said a deal could be nearing completion.
“We’re getting a lot closer, maybe very close,” Trump told reporters after the meeting. He said the negotiations have entered what he described as the “final stages.”
Trump also said he spoke by phone earlier in the day with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He described that conversation as “very productive.”
Trump said he believes both Putin and Zelenskyy are serious about ending the conflict.
Despite progress, Trump acknowledged that major obstacles remain. He said unresolved territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine remain the biggest challenge.
The most difficult issue centers on the contested Donbas region. Much of the area is currently under Russian control.
“There are one or two very thorny, very tough issues,” Trump said. He pointed specifically to land disputes.
Trump said some territory has already been taken. He warned that more land could change hands if negotiations stall.
He suggested Ukraine may be “better off making a deal now.” He said that could include territorial concessions.
Zelenskyy confirmed there was no agreement on the future of Donbas. Russia controls about 90 percent of the region, while Ukrainian forces hold the rest.
“Our team is very close to results,” Zelenskyy said. He signaled that Ukraine is still unwilling to give up the region.
The talks focused on a streamlined 20-point U.S. peace proposal. The original plan contained 28 points.
The proposal includes security guarantees for Ukraine. It also outlines potential European Union membership and long-term economic recovery funding.
Territorial issues remain unresolved. Negotiations are ongoing over eastern regions such as Donetsk.
U.S. officials said the proposed security guarantees would be strong. They compared them to NATO’s Article 5 protections.
Any agreement would require Senate approval. Trump said European nations would play a key role in supporting the security framework.
Trump warned that failure at this stage could prolong the war. He said the conflict could continue for a long time if talks break down.
Zelenskyy said Russia has stepped up attacks in recent days. He cited drone strikes, guided bombs, and missile launches across Ukraine.
Trump acknowledged the ongoing fighting. He said both sides are still engaged in heavy combat while negotiations continue.
Trump campaigned on ending the war, which began in February 2022. He said recent diplomacy represents a critical moment that could determine whether the conflict ends or drags on for years.