Russia-Ukraine deal closer than ever: Trump after meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy

PTC News Desk: After nearly three hours of private talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump said Ukraine’s security guarantees are “almost 95 per cent” finalised, but acknowledged that major disagreements remain over territorial issues, especially land in eastern Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump described the discussions as very positive. “We covered many points. I think we’re getting much closer, possibly very close,” he said, adding that there was no fixed timeline for concluding the process. While no formal agreement was announced, both leaders indicated that negotiations are approaching a critical stage. Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the meeting and said talks had addressed all components of a proposed peace framework.

Zelenskyy said a 20-point peace plan is about 90 per cent agreed, and that US-Ukraine security guarantees—one of Kyiv’s key demands—have been fully settled. He added that Ukrainian and European teams would continue technical discussions on the remaining issues and are expected to meet in the coming weeks to finalise pending matters. According to Zelenskyy, Trump would host further talks in Washington in January.

Trump reiterated that the guarantees are “close to 95 per cent” complete, though he remarked, “I don’t like to talk in percentages,” signalling caution despite progress.

DONBAS REMAINS A STUMBLING BLOCK

One of the main unresolved issues relates to eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas region. Asked whether there was agreement on creating a free trade zone there, Trump said the matter was still open. “It’s unresolved, but we’re getting much closer,” he noted.

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s position on Donbas has not changed. “We respect the land we control,” he said, adding that Kyiv’s stance on the region is “very clear” and differs fundamentally from Russia’s.