Trump and Zelenskyy Signal Progress on Ukraine Peace Plan, but Territorial Disputes Linger

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed guarded optimism Sunday after a multi-hour meeting at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, describing significant advances toward a revised 20-point peace framework to end Russia's nearly four-year war in Ukraine.

The leaders held a joint press conference following the approximately three-hour discussion, which included key U.S. officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump called the session "terrific" and said negotiators are "getting a lot closer, maybe very close" to a deal. "I do think we have the makings of a deal," he added, noting that "two willing countries" are involved but warning that "thorny issues" remain unresolved.

Zelenskyy echoed the positive tone, describing the talks as a "great meeting" with "great discussion on all the topics." He reiterated that the 20-point plan—developed through joint U.S.-Ukrainian negotiations—is about 90% agreed upon, the same figure he cited before the meeting. The proposal addresses a broad range of issues, including postwar reconstruction, monitoring mechanisms, and security arrangements.

A key development emerged the following day, when Zelenskyy revealed that the United States has offered Ukraine security guarantees for 15 years as part of the framework. "The United States is offering Ukraine security guarantees for a period of 15 years," he said Monday, though he pushed for a longer commitment—potentially 30, 40, or up to 50 years—to more effectively deter future Russian aggression. Zelenskyy noted that the war's roots trace back nearly 15 years to Russia's 2014 actions in Crimea and Donbas, arguing a shorter timeframe is inadequate. He described the guarantees as "solid" or "strong", with potential for extension, and said Trump indicated openness to considering longer terms.

Zelenskyy claimed the security guarantees section was "100% agreed", while Trump estimated it at around 95%. Both leaders stressed the importance of these assurances for lasting peace.

The meeting followed Trump's lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier Sunday, which Trump described as "good and very productive". He indicated plans for follow-up discussions with Putin. The talks also involved a conference call with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who signalled continued coordination on contributions to security guarantees.

Despite the progress, major hurdles persist. Trump highlighted unresolved territorial questions, particularly the fate of the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk), calling it a "very tough" issue. Control of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant also remains contentious. No firm breakthrough or timeline was announced, though follow-up advisor-level meetings are planned soon, potentially in Washington with European involvement.

The encounter came amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine, including a massive assault on Kyiv the day before that killed at least one person. Zelenskyy has proposed a sustained ceasefire of at least 60 days to enable a national referendum on the peace plan, a step Russia has rejected without a comprehensive settlement.

The cordial tone marked a shift from earlier tensions in 2025. While incremental gains on security appear evident, Russia's buy-in remains uncertain, and the process is described as "very complicated". Trump emphasised no firm deadline, stating clarity could emerge "in a few weeks".