Trump says Ukraine deal closer but no talks breakthrough

By Admin

29 Dec, 2025

Introduction
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that an agreement to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is closer than ever, but acknowledged that no major breakthrough has been achieved so far, particularly on the sensitive issue of territory. Speaking on Sunday, December 28, 2025, Trump struck an optimistic tone while conceding that critical differences between Kyiv and Moscow remain unresolved.

Trump’s Renewed Push for Peace
Nearly a year into his presidency, Donald Trump reiterated his long-standing claim that he could broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. He said it would become clear within weeks whether ending the war, which has killed tens of thousands since February 2022, is truly possible. His remarks came during an intense pre-New Year diplomatic effort aimed at accelerating negotiations.

High-Level Meetings Amid Escalation
As part of this diplomatic sprint, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida, where they met over lunch at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate along with senior aides. The meeting took place just a day after Russia launched fresh attacks on residential areas in Kyiv. Shortly before Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin also spoke by telephone with the U.S. leader, prompting Trump to insist that Moscow was “serious” about pursuing peace despite ongoing assaults.

Optimism Without Details
Standing beside Zelenskyy, Trump said he believed both sides were closer than ever to an agreement. “Everybody wants it ended,” he remarked. However, he offered few concrete details about progress, instead criticizing his predecessor Joe Biden’s extensive military aid to Ukraine and emphasizing his own personal rapport with Putin.

Territory Remains the Core Dispute
Trump openly acknowledged that territorial issues remain the biggest obstacle. The revised U.S. plan, shaped after weeks of negotiations with Ukraine, would freeze the conflict along current frontlines in the eastern Donbas region and establish a demilitarized zone. Russia, however, continues to demand territorial concessions. Trump described the issue as unresolved but said it was “getting a lot closer.”

Zelenskyy’s Careful Diplomacy
Throughout the visit, Zelenskyy maintained a cautious and respectful tone, mindful of his tense White House encounter earlier in the year. After the Florida talks, Trump and Zelenskyy jointly spoke with key European leaders, who remain deeply concerned about any settlement that could embolden Russia. Zelenskyy later suggested that he and European leaders could return together for further talks in Washington in January.

Growing Acceptance of Compromise
Zelenskyy has signaled openness to the revised U.S. proposal, marking Ukraine’s clearest acknowledgment yet that territorial concessions could be considered, though any such move would require approval by Ukrainian voters in a referendum. Trump even floated the idea of addressing the Ukrainian parliament to promote the plan, an offer Zelenskyy welcomed.

Russia’s Firm Stance
In contrast, Russia has shown little willingness to compromise. The Kremlin has called on Kyiv to withdraw troops from Donbas and blamed European leaders for obstructing peace. Russian officials rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire, arguing it would only prolong the conflict. Moscow has also firmly opposed any NATO-like security guarantees for Ukraine.

‘90%’ Agreement and Security Guarantees
According to Zelenskyy, around 90% of the peace framework proposed by Trump has been agreed upon, with U.S.-Ukraine security guarantees fully settled. Discussions are ongoing over a broader prosperity plan for Ukraine and the sequencing of steps required to implement a deal.

War Continues Despite Talks
Even as diplomacy intensifies, fighting continues on the ground. Russia’s latest missile and drone strikes have knocked out power and heating for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians during freezing conditions. Putin has warned that if Kyiv refuses a peaceful settlement, Russia will pursue its objectives by military means.

Conclusion
While Trump’s statements suggest unprecedented momentum toward ending the war, the lack of a breakthrough on territorial issues highlights how fragile and complex the process remains. With weeks ahead seen as decisive, the world is watching to see whether optimism can finally translate into lasting peace or whether entrenched positions will once again stall progress.