Trump hints at breakthrough: Ukraine-Russia peace deal may be near after talks with Zelenskyy
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 29, 2025, 20:50 IST
Zelenskyy to meet Trump in Florida on Sunday to push peace talks
Image credit : ANI
In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Ukraine and Russia are on the brink of finalizing a peace agreement. His meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his lavish Florida resort set the stage for discussions. Trump also engaged in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the figure responsible for igniting the conflict.
Zelenskyy to meet Trump in Florida on Sunday to push peace talks
President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia are closer than ever to a peace deal following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort on Sunday. Trump acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, which could still falter and prolong the war. These remarks came after Trump reported an "excellent" phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose invasion initiated the conflict nearly four years ago. Trump expressed his belief that Putin still desires peace, despite ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine while Zelenskyy was en route to the U.S. for talks.
"Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed," Trump announced at a news conference with Zelenskyy. He consistently referred to Zelenskyy as "brave."
Both leaders recognized significant challenges remaining in the negotiations. These include the status of Ukrainian territory controlled by Russia and security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future invasions. Following their discussion, they contacted European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, and the heads of state for Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland.
Zelenskyy indicated that Trump had agreed to host European leaders again, potentially at the White House, in January. Trump suggested the meeting could take place in Washington or "someplace." Zelenskyy conveyed his gratitude for Trump's efforts, stating, "Ukraine is ready for peace."
Trump confirmed he would speak with Putin again soon. Earlier on Sunday, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the Trump-Putin call as initiated by the U.S. side and characterized it as "friendly, benevolent and businesslike." Ushakov also stated that Trump and Putin agreed to speak again "promptly" after Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy.
However, Ushakov added that a "bold, responsible, political decision is needed from Kyiv" regarding the contested Donbas region and other disputed matters for a "complete cessation" of hostilities.
The future of the Donbas region was identified by both leaders as a major point of contention. Trump suggested that the parties were moving closer to an agreement. "That's a very tough issue but one that I think will get resolved," he said.
Zelenskyy elaborated on their position: "Our attitude is very clear. That's why President Trump said this is a very tough question and, of course, we have with Russia different positions on it."
Despite these difficulties, Trump maintained his belief that Putin is "very serious" about ending the war. He also noted that "Ukraine has made some very strong attacks also."
Trump did not rule out the possibility of negotiations collapsing. "In a few weeks, we will know one way or the other, I think," Trump stated. "We could have something where one item that you’re not thinking about is a big item, breaks it up. Look, it’s been a very difficult negotiation. Very detailed."
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy highlighted the apparent progress made by Trump's negotiators in recent weeks, as both sides exchanged draft peace proposals. Zelenskyy mentioned on Friday that the 20-point draft proposal under discussion was "about 90% ready," echoing optimism previously conveyed by U.S. officials after Trump's chief negotiators met with Zelenskyy in Berlin.
During these recent talks, the U.S. reportedly agreed to provide Ukraine with security guarantees similar to those offered to NATO members. This offer came as Zelenskyy indicated his willingness to withdraw Ukraine's bid to join NATO if the country received comparable protection against future Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy also spoke with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Christmas Day. He described their discussion as covering "certain substantive details" and cautioned that "there is still work to be done on sensitive issues" and "the weeks ahead may also be intensive."
The U.S. president has been actively engaged in efforts to end the war in Ukraine throughout much of his current term. He has expressed frustration with both Zelenskyy and Putin while acknowledging the inherent difficulty of resolving the conflict. This contrasts with his earlier boasts as a candidate in 2024 about his ability to end the fighting swiftly. On Sunday, Trump repeatedly emphasized the intricate nature of the negotiations.
Following his meeting with Zelenskyy at the White House in October, Trump had called for both Russia and Ukraine to cease fighting and "stop at the battle line," implying that Russia could retain the territory it had seized.
Last week, Zelenskyy stated his readiness to withdraw troops from Ukraine's eastern industrial region as part of a peace plan, provided Russia also withdrew and the area became a demilitarized zone overseen by international forces.
Putin's demands include recognition of Russian control over all captured areas in four key regions, as well as the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed in 2014. He also insists that Ukraine withdraw from certain eastern Ukrainian territories not yet under Moscow's control, demands that Kyiv has publicly rejected.
The Kremlin also seeks Ukraine's abandonment of its NATO membership aspirations. Russia has warned that it would not tolerate the deployment of any troops from NATO members, viewing them as a "legitimate target."
Putin has also reiterated his long-standing demands for Ukraine to limit the size of its army and grant official status to the Russian language.
Ushakov informed the business daily Kommersant this month that Russian police and national guard would remain in parts of Donetsk, one of the two major areas comprising the Donbas region along with Luhansk, even if it became a demilitarized zone under a potential peace plan.
Ushakov cautioned that reaching a compromise could be a protracted process. He suggested that U.S. proposals, which had incorporated Russian demands, had been "worsened" by modifications introduced by Ukraine and its European allies.
Trump has shown some receptiveness to Putin's demands, suggesting that the Russian president could be persuaded to end the war if Kyiv agrees to cede Ukrainian land in the Donbas region and if Western powers offer economic incentives to reintegrate Russia into the global economy.
The article details President Donald Trump's assertion that Ukraine and Russia are nearing a peace deal, following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort. Trump acknowledged the negotiations' complexity and the potential for breakdown, which could lead to a prolonged war. This statement came after Trump reported a positive phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose invasion of Ukraine initiated the conflict. Trump expressed his belief in Putin's desire for peace, even as Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine while Zelenskyy was traveling for negotiations.
Trump stated at a news conference, "Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed," and praised Zelenskyy as "brave." Both leaders identified significant hurdles, including the disposition of Russian-controlled Ukrainian territory and security assurances for Ukraine. They also contacted European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and the leaders of Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland. Zelenskyy indicated that Trump agreed to host European leaders again, possibly at the White House in January, with Trump suggesting the location could be Washington or "someplace." Zelenskyy thanked Trump, saying, "Ukraine is ready for peace."
Trump confirmed he would speak with Putin again. Earlier, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the Trump-Putin call as initiated by the U.S. and characterized it as "friendly, benevolent and businesslike." Ushakov also stated that Trump and Putin agreed to speak again "promptly" after Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy. However, Ushakov added that a "bold, responsible, political decision is needed from Kyiv" on the Donbas region and other disputed matters for a "complete cessation" of hostilities. The future of the Donbas region was highlighted as a major sticking point by both leaders. Trump expressed optimism, stating, "That's a very tough issue but one that I think will get resolved." Zelenskyy clarified their stance: "Our attitude is very clear. That's why President Trump said this is a very tough question and, of course, we have with Russia different positions on it." Trump reiterated his belief that Putin is "very serious" about ending the war, noting that "Ukraine has made some very strong attacks also." He acknowledged the possibility of negotiations failing, stating, "In a few weeks, we will know one way or the other, I think. We could have something where one item that you’re not thinking about is a big item, breaks it up. Look, it’s been a very difficult negotiation. Very detailed."
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy underscored the progress made by Trump's negotiators, who have been exchanging draft peace plans. Zelenskyy reported on Friday that the 20-point draft proposal was "about 90% ready," echoing optimism from U.S. officials after Trump's chief negotiators met with Zelenskyy in Berlin. During recent talks, the U.S. agreed to offer Ukraine security guarantees similar to NATO's. This offer coincided with Zelenskyy's statement that he was prepared to drop Ukraine's bid to join NATO if the country received NATO-like protection against future Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy also spoke with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Christmas Day, discussing "certain substantive details." He cautioned that "there is still work to be done on sensitive issues" and that "the weeks ahead may also be intensive." President Trump has been working to end the war in Ukraine for much of his current term, expressing irritation with both Zelenskyy and Putin while acknowledging the conflict's difficulty. This contrasts with his earlier boasts as a candidate in 2024 about resolving the fighting in a day. Trump repeatedly emphasized the complexity of the negotiations on Sunday. After hosting Zelenskyy at the White House in October, Trump had demanded that both Russia and Ukraine halt fighting and "stop at the battle line," implying that Moscow could keep seized territory. Zelenskyy stated last week that he would be willing to withdraw troops from Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland as part of a peace plan, if Russia also pulled back and the area became a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces.
Trump has been somewhat receptive to Putin’s demands, arguing that the Russian president can be persuaded to end the war if Kyiv agrees to cede Ukrainian land in the Donbas region and if Western powers offer economic incentives to bring Russia back into the global economy.
"Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed," Trump announced at a news conference with Zelenskyy. He consistently referred to Zelenskyy as "brave."
Both leaders recognized significant challenges remaining in the negotiations. These include the status of Ukrainian territory controlled by Russia and security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future invasions. Following their discussion, they contacted European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, and the heads of state for Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland.
Zelenskyy indicated that Trump had agreed to host European leaders again, potentially at the White House, in January. Trump suggested the meeting could take place in Washington or "someplace." Zelenskyy conveyed his gratitude for Trump's efforts, stating, "Ukraine is ready for peace."
Trump confirmed he would speak with Putin again soon. Earlier on Sunday, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the Trump-Putin call as initiated by the U.S. side and characterized it as "friendly, benevolent and businesslike." Ushakov also stated that Trump and Putin agreed to speak again "promptly" after Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy.
However, Ushakov added that a "bold, responsible, political decision is needed from Kyiv" regarding the contested Donbas region and other disputed matters for a "complete cessation" of hostilities.
The future of the Donbas region was identified by both leaders as a major point of contention. Trump suggested that the parties were moving closer to an agreement. "That's a very tough issue but one that I think will get resolved," he said.
Zelenskyy elaborated on their position: "Our attitude is very clear. That's why President Trump said this is a very tough question and, of course, we have with Russia different positions on it."
Despite these difficulties, Trump maintained his belief that Putin is "very serious" about ending the war. He also noted that "Ukraine has made some very strong attacks also."
Trump did not rule out the possibility of negotiations collapsing. "In a few weeks, we will know one way or the other, I think," Trump stated. "We could have something where one item that you’re not thinking about is a big item, breaks it up. Look, it’s been a very difficult negotiation. Very detailed."
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy highlighted the apparent progress made by Trump's negotiators in recent weeks, as both sides exchanged draft peace proposals. Zelenskyy mentioned on Friday that the 20-point draft proposal under discussion was "about 90% ready," echoing optimism previously conveyed by U.S. officials after Trump's chief negotiators met with Zelenskyy in Berlin.
During these recent talks, the U.S. reportedly agreed to provide Ukraine with security guarantees similar to those offered to NATO members. This offer came as Zelenskyy indicated his willingness to withdraw Ukraine's bid to join NATO if the country received comparable protection against future Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy also spoke with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Christmas Day. He described their discussion as covering "certain substantive details" and cautioned that "there is still work to be done on sensitive issues" and "the weeks ahead may also be intensive."
The U.S. president has been actively engaged in efforts to end the war in Ukraine throughout much of his current term. He has expressed frustration with both Zelenskyy and Putin while acknowledging the inherent difficulty of resolving the conflict. This contrasts with his earlier boasts as a candidate in 2024 about his ability to end the fighting swiftly. On Sunday, Trump repeatedly emphasized the intricate nature of the negotiations.
Following his meeting with Zelenskyy at the White House in October, Trump had called for both Russia and Ukraine to cease fighting and "stop at the battle line," implying that Russia could retain the territory it had seized.
Last week, Zelenskyy stated his readiness to withdraw troops from Ukraine's eastern industrial region as part of a peace plan, provided Russia also withdrew and the area became a demilitarized zone overseen by international forces.
Putin's demands include recognition of Russian control over all captured areas in four key regions, as well as the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed in 2014. He also insists that Ukraine withdraw from certain eastern Ukrainian territories not yet under Moscow's control, demands that Kyiv has publicly rejected.
The Kremlin also seeks Ukraine's abandonment of its NATO membership aspirations. Russia has warned that it would not tolerate the deployment of any troops from NATO members, viewing them as a "legitimate target."
Putin has also reiterated his long-standing demands for Ukraine to limit the size of its army and grant official status to the Russian language.
Ushakov informed the business daily Kommersant this month that Russian police and national guard would remain in parts of Donetsk, one of the two major areas comprising the Donbas region along with Luhansk, even if it became a demilitarized zone under a potential peace plan.
Ushakov cautioned that reaching a compromise could be a protracted process. He suggested that U.S. proposals, which had incorporated Russian demands, had been "worsened" by modifications introduced by Ukraine and its European allies.
Trump has shown some receptiveness to Putin's demands, suggesting that the Russian president could be persuaded to end the war if Kyiv agrees to cede Ukrainian land in the Donbas region and if Western powers offer economic incentives to reintegrate Russia into the global economy.
The article details President Donald Trump's assertion that Ukraine and Russia are nearing a peace deal, following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort. Trump acknowledged the negotiations' complexity and the potential for breakdown, which could lead to a prolonged war. This statement came after Trump reported a positive phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose invasion of Ukraine initiated the conflict. Trump expressed his belief in Putin's desire for peace, even as Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine while Zelenskyy was traveling for negotiations.
Trump stated at a news conference, "Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed," and praised Zelenskyy as "brave." Both leaders identified significant hurdles, including the disposition of Russian-controlled Ukrainian territory and security assurances for Ukraine. They also contacted European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and the leaders of Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland. Zelenskyy indicated that Trump agreed to host European leaders again, possibly at the White House in January, with Trump suggesting the location could be Washington or "someplace." Zelenskyy thanked Trump, saying, "Ukraine is ready for peace."
Trump confirmed he would speak with Putin again. Earlier, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the Trump-Putin call as initiated by the U.S. and characterized it as "friendly, benevolent and businesslike." Ushakov also stated that Trump and Putin agreed to speak again "promptly" after Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy. However, Ushakov added that a "bold, responsible, political decision is needed from Kyiv" on the Donbas region and other disputed matters for a "complete cessation" of hostilities. The future of the Donbas region was highlighted as a major sticking point by both leaders. Trump expressed optimism, stating, "That's a very tough issue but one that I think will get resolved." Zelenskyy clarified their stance: "Our attitude is very clear. That's why President Trump said this is a very tough question and, of course, we have with Russia different positions on it." Trump reiterated his belief that Putin is "very serious" about ending the war, noting that "Ukraine has made some very strong attacks also." He acknowledged the possibility of negotiations failing, stating, "In a few weeks, we will know one way or the other, I think. We could have something where one item that you’re not thinking about is a big item, breaks it up. Look, it’s been a very difficult negotiation. Very detailed."
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy underscored the progress made by Trump's negotiators, who have been exchanging draft peace plans. Zelenskyy reported on Friday that the 20-point draft proposal was "about 90% ready," echoing optimism from U.S. officials after Trump's chief negotiators met with Zelenskyy in Berlin. During recent talks, the U.S. agreed to offer Ukraine security guarantees similar to NATO's. This offer coincided with Zelenskyy's statement that he was prepared to drop Ukraine's bid to join NATO if the country received NATO-like protection against future Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy also spoke with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Christmas Day, discussing "certain substantive details." He cautioned that "there is still work to be done on sensitive issues" and that "the weeks ahead may also be intensive." President Trump has been working to end the war in Ukraine for much of his current term, expressing irritation with both Zelenskyy and Putin while acknowledging the conflict's difficulty. This contrasts with his earlier boasts as a candidate in 2024 about resolving the fighting in a day. Trump repeatedly emphasized the complexity of the negotiations on Sunday. After hosting Zelenskyy at the White House in October, Trump had demanded that both Russia and Ukraine halt fighting and "stop at the battle line," implying that Moscow could keep seized territory. Zelenskyy stated last week that he would be willing to withdraw troops from Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland as part of a peace plan, if Russia also pulled back and the area became a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces.
Trump has been somewhat receptive to Putin’s demands, arguing that the Russian president can be persuaded to end the war if Kyiv agrees to cede Ukrainian land in the Donbas region and if Western powers offer economic incentives to bring Russia back into the global economy.