Trump and Zelenskyy meet in Florida, say peace deal on horizon, but hurdles remain
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Summary: Trump and Zelenskyy describe progress on Ukraine peace framework after Mar-a-Lago talks, key issues unresolved.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks on Sunday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, presenting an upbeat front on efforts to end the nearly four-year-long war with Russia — even as real challenges on the ground persist.
Both leaders said they had made notable progress toward a peace agreement, with Trump telling reporters that the two sides were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to a deal. Zelenskyy also called the meeting “great” and spoke of significant results, stressing that talks had advanced a peace framework that could form the basis for future negotiations.
Officials involved in the discussions have been working on a 20-point plan aimed at ending the conflict; both Trump and Zelenskyy indicated that most of this proposed framework had been agreed upon by negotiators, though thorny questions remain. Among the sticking points are territorial disputes in the Donbas region, security guarantees for Ukraine, and the terms of ceasefire implementation.
Trump said he believed progress had been substantial, and suggested a follow-up series of talks — potentially involving European leaders in Washington — as part of the next steps. Zelenskyy echoed that the two sides would continue working together, noting that Ukraine is “ready for peace,” but emphasising that any final agreement must respect Ukrainian sovereignty and legal processes, including parliamentary approval or a possible referendum.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of continued conflict. Russian forces have kept up military pressure, including heavy attacks on Ukrainian cities just ahead of the summit, and Moscow has not formally committed to a ceasefire or signed on to peace terms.
Analysts say the talks reflect both the sense of urgency and complexity surrounding efforts to end Europe’s longest sustained conflict since World War II. While optimism about the near-completion of negotiations is growing, scepticism remains — especially given Moscow’s recent actions and unresolved demands over territorial control.
For now, both Trump and Zelenskyy are painting the meeting as a step forward. But with key issues still on the table and Russia’s position uncertain, it may take weeks — or longer — before concrete breakthroughs can be achieved.
