The negotiations, which lasted about three hours, took place at Trump’s private residence, Mar-a-Lago. Following the meetings, Trump described them as “wonderful” and noted that the conversation was “magnificent,” bringing the end of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine closer. According to him, the parties agreed on about 95% of the terms of the peace agreement, but the key issue remains the question of Donbass.
Effective dialogue on key issues
Before the negotiations began, Zelensky noted that this day would be one of the most active in his diplomatic practice and expressed hope for resolving many issues by the end of 2025.
Trump emphasized that a peace agreement is on the horizon, but the key issue remains the fate of Donbass. He called this issue “the most important,” adding that the parties are still working on its resolution.
Zelensky, for his part, stated that Ukraine’s position on Donbass is clear and differs from Russia’s. In his opinion, for achieving stable peace, security guarantees are more important than questions of territorial belonging.
He also noted that the Ukrainian team will continue discussions with European politicians to clarify the remaining issues in the agreement, which may happen in the coming weeks.
Trump, responding to journalists' questions, again emphasized the need for a quick deal and added that Ukraine has shown “great courage,” but the conflict must be resolved.
The U.S. President expressed his willingness to speak before the Ukrainian parliament to explain the necessity of a peace agreement, to which Zelensky replied: “You are always welcome.”
Donbass — a priority issue
Russia considers the issue of Donbass to be key. In a phone conversation with Trump, Putin again emphasized the importance of this aspect, reminding of the previously reached “understandings” in Anchorage, although the details were not disclosed at that time. Putin's aide, Yuri Ushakov, noted that Ukraine should make a “bold and responsible decision” on Donbass as soon as possible.
According to Ushakov, Putin and Trump plan to discuss the outcomes of the meeting in Florida again.
“I believe him”
Both presidents are confident that decisions conducive to ending the war can be expected within a few weeks. However, the question of Donbass remains a stumbling block: Zelensky emphasizes that this decision must be made by the Ukrainian people through voting.
This creates some difficulties for both sides: Ukraine demands a ceasefire before voting, while Russia refuses such an option, emphasizing that the issue can also be resolved through military actions.
Zelensky added that any point of the peace agreement can be put to a referendum or discussed in parliament.
Trump also noted that unforeseen problems may arise, and any point of the plan “could be critically important,” which could disrupt the overall agreement.
When asked about the timeline for ending the war, Trump reiterated that clarity could come within a few weeks. He also suggested that a trilateral meeting between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia might take place soon, adding: “Putin wants this to happen. I believe him.”
Nevertheless, the FT emphasizes that Zelensky did not receive the expected support from Trump. The U.S. President again took a neutral position between Ukraine and Russia, noting that both leaders are striving for peace. Trump added that both presidents are interested in concluding a deal and that Putin is “very serious” about ending the conflict. In response to questions about recent Russian strikes, Trump noted that Ukraine also “delivered powerful strikes.”
Reaction to the meeting between Trump and Zelensky
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, after a video conference with Trump and Zelensky, noted on social media X that Europe is ready to continue cooperation with Ukraine and the U.S. to consolidate the progress achieved. She emphasized that the most important aspects are security guarantees from day one.
- The press secretary of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who also participated in the video conference, noted that both Starmer and European leaders emphasized the need for strong security guarantees and a swift end to the war. “The Prime Minister confirmed that the UK intends to continue close cooperation with partners to maintain the achieved pace,” added the representative of Downing Street.
- From the Russian side, the reaction was limited to a thank-you message from the President's special representative Kirill Dmitriev, who noted that Trump’s and his team’s peace efforts are valued worldwide.
