Kathrine Frich
Talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine have entered what both sides describe as a decisive phase.
Senior leaders met behind closed doors, projecting optimism while acknowledging that some of the most difficult questions remain unresolved.
What emerged was progress, but also clear limits.
Talks in florida
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on Sunday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
Their discussions lasted more than two hours and were followed by a joint call with European leaders, including Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki.
“I believe we have the basis for an agreement on Ukraine that will be beneficial to everyone,” Trump said after the meeting, adding that the peace plan was “90–95 percent ready.”
Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian and American teams had made significant progress and were working on multiple documents linked to security, reconstruction and a ceasefire.
Sensitive territory
Despite the upbeat tone, Trump acknowledged that “one or two very sensitive issues” remain unresolved.
Chief among them is the future of parts of the Donbas region not currently occupied by Russian forces.
Trump suggested Ukraine should consider relinquishing those areas before Russia attempts to seize them militarily.
“These lands could be occupied within the next few months, so it’s better to reach an agreement now,” he said.
Zelensky said Ukraine was continuing consultations and stressed that decisions over territory would ultimately require parliamentary approval or a referendum.
Russia and europe
Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly before meeting Zelensky, describing the call as “good and very productive.”
The Kremlin confirmed the conversation, saying it took place at Washington’s initiative, according to TASS.
Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said Moscow expects Ukraine to make a decision on Donbas and opposes a temporary EU-backed ceasefire, arguing it would prolong the conflict.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, later joined the talks by phone and welcomed what they described as progress, while emphasizing the need for strong security guarantees.
Guarantees and next steps
Trump said security guarantees for Ukraine were largely agreed but indicated Europe would play a leading role in implementing them, with US support.
He also confirmed discussions on Ukraine’s reconstruction and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Both leaders said further negotiations would continue in the coming weeks. Trump said it would soon become clear whether the plan succeeds, while Zelensky said Ukrainian society would have the final say on any agreement.
Sources: The Washington Post, TASS, official statements
