Talks between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida have renewed cautious optimism around a possible end to the war in Ukraine. Meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, the two leaders discussed a revised peace framework that, while showing movement on some fronts, stopped short of delivering a decisive breakthrough.
Both leaders publicly described the discussions as constructive, suggesting that negotiations are edging closer to an agreement. However, the most contentious questions particularly territorial control and ceasefire terms remain unresolved, underscoring how fragile and complex the peace process continues to be.
Donbas Remains the Central Roadblock
At the heart of the impasse lies the future of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. Russia currently controls roughly three-quarters of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk, and has made it clear that it seeks full control over both territories. This position has been a consistent red line for Moscow throughout negotiations.
Trump acknowledged after the talks that the issue of Donbas remains unsettled, though he suggested discussions were “getting a lot closer.” Ukraine, however, has resisted any proposal that would formalise Russian control, instead floating the idea of a free economic zone overseen by Ukrainian forces in areas it still holds.
The Kremlin has reiterated its demand that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the remaining parts of Donbas under Kyiv’s control, a demand Ukraine continues to reject. As a result, the region remains the single biggest obstacle to a comprehensive settlement.
Security Guarantees Show Signs of Progress
One area where both sides hinted at progress was the question of security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky said the United States had proposed guarantees lasting 15 years, with the possibility of extension. Kyiv, however, is pushing for longer-term assurances, ideally stretching up to 50 years, and wants them to take effect immediately upon signing a peace deal.
Trump described negotiations on this front as nearly complete, saying an agreement was “close to 95%” done. He also indicated that European nations would shoulder a significant share of responsibility for guaranteeing Ukraine’s security, with US support backing the arrangement.
European leaders have echoed this emphasis. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed what she called “good progress” while stressing the need for robust guarantees from day one. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Ukraine’s allies would meet in Paris early next year to finalise their commitments.
Ceasefire and Referendum Complications
Another unresolved issue is the proposal for a temporary ceasefire. Zelensky has suggested a 60-day ceasefire would be necessary to hold a referendum in Ukraine on any peace agreement, arguing that public approval is essential for legitimacy.
Russia, however, has firmly opposed any temporary truce. Ahead of the Florida talks, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reportedly argued that a short-term ceasefire would only prolong the conflict. Trump later acknowledged Moscow’s reluctance, saying he understood Russia’s position on the issue.
This disagreement further complicates efforts to sequence peace steps in a way acceptable to all parties.
The Prospect of Broader Talks
Trump raised the possibility of trilateral talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine, though he suggested such a meeting would take place only “at the right time.” Zelensky, meanwhile, indicated that Ukrainian officials could travel to Washington in January, potentially alongside European leaders, as negotiations move into a more detailed phase.
While Trump has expressed a desire to add the Ukraine war to the list of conflicts he claims to have resolved, he also warned that talks could still collapse if discussions deteriorate sharply.
War Continues Despite Diplomacy
Even as diplomacy unfolds, fighting on the ground has not paused. Ukrainian authorities reported multiple Russian airstrikes overnight, with most intercepted. Russia, for its part, claimed to have shot down dozens of Ukrainian drones, particularly over its Bryansk region.
These continued exchanges serve as a stark reminder that negotiations are happening against the backdrop of an active and ongoing conflict.
