During recent talks in Florida, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky exchanged positive remarks about their discussions aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict. However, Trump expressed that the matter of territory is still ‘unresolved’.
While both leaders considered the talks successful, Trump flagged a couple of major obstacles—chiefly regarding land disputes.
Zelensky, speaking to reporters at Mar-a-Lago, mentioned that they were close to agreeing on about 90% of a comprehensive 20-point peace proposal. Trump added that security arrangements for Ukraine were nearing completion at 95%.
Looking ahead, Zelensky indicated that teams from both nations plan to convene next week to address outstanding issues in hopes of concluding Russia’s nearly four-year aggression.
“Our discussions covered a lot of ground and we recognize the terrific strides the teams have made recently,” said Zelensky through a statement shared on the Telegram app.
Since Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it currently governs around 20% of the Ukrainian land.
One particular sticking point mentioned by Trump is a proposal related to making the Donbas area—a region mainly under Russian control—a demilitarized zone. This issue remains open for debate.
“Certain lands have already been seized,” Trump shared after the meeting. “Some of these territories might still be contested, but they could change hands in the coming months.”
Russia holds about 75% of the Donetsk region and nearly 99% of Luhansk, areas collectively referred to as Donbas.
Moscow expects Ukraine to retreat from the small portion it still holds in Donbas. In contrast, Kyiv insists on the area potentially transforming into a free economic zone managed by Ukrainian forces.
It’s worth noting that Trump’s views on Ukraine’s lost territories have shifted frequently. In September, he surprised many by suggesting Ukraine might reclaim those lands, though he soon backtracked.
“This is indeed a tough situation that needs resolution,” Trump remarked.
On security matters, Trump indicated that guarantees for Ukraine were almost finalized, though he didn’t make any binding promises on military support or troop deployment for future defense missions.
Additionally, Trump proposed that trilateral discussions could be on the horizon, involving not just the US and Ukraine but also Russia, possibly occurring ‘at the right time’.
While he is eager to claim the resolution of the Ukraine-Russia conflict as part of his achievements, Trump warned that halted or problematic negotiations might exacerbate the ongoing war.
Earlier in the day, he held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting he perceived Putin as wanting Ukraine to thrive, even if there appears to be little motivation for the Kremlin to agree to a ceasefire that would facilitate a referendum in Ukraine.
“I get where they’re coming from,” he added.
Zelensky floated the idea of a meeting at the White House with US officials and European allies in January, compiling final touches on negotiations.
After their discussions, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the positive outcomes from the Florida meetings, while underlining the urgency for robust security promises for Ukraine.
