Washington(The COW News Digital)Talks between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky aimed at securing a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war concluded without a major breakthrough, despite hours of detailed discussions. The high-level meeting was held at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida and lasted for more than two hours, according to official statements.
The meeting focused on key elements of a proposed peace framework to end the prolonged conflict, which has caused widespread destruction and loss of life since its outbreak. While both sides acknowledged progress in negotiations, uncertainty continues to surround the future of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, which remains the most contentious issue in the talks.
Read More:
- Taliban Extend Internet Curbs, Trade Faces Major Hit
- US Slams Palestine Recognition as Empty Symbolism
- Late-Night Dinners Linked to Higher Blood Sugar Risk
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, President Trump said the United States believes Russia and Ukraine are “close to an agreement,” but admitted that negotiations remain complicated. He noted that several core issues have yet to be resolved, particularly regarding territorial control and security guarantees. Trump also warned that delays in reaching a deal could lead to further Russian advances on the battlefield.
“The situation is very complex,” Trump said, adding that unexpected obstacles could still derail the peace process. He urged Kyiv to consider a timely agreement, cautioning that prolonged negotiations may benefit Moscow militarily.
President Zelensky, however, struck a more cautious tone. He said Ukrainian and American negotiators have made “significant progress” in recent weeks, claiming that around 90 percent of the draft peace agreement has been agreed upon. Despite this progress, he stressed that decisions concerning Donbas would ultimately rest with the Ukrainian people.
Foreign media reports suggest that Donbas remains the biggest hurdle to any ceasefire deal. Russia is reportedly seeking full control of the region, and President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that Ukraine must withdraw from Russian-controlled areas of Donbas as part of any settlement.
Zelensky confirmed that President Trump floated the idea of turning Donbas into a free economic zone as a possible compromise. The Ukrainian leader also reiterated his conditional willingness to withdraw Ukrainian troops from parts of the eastern industrial region, provided Russian forces do the same and the area is transformed into a demilitarized zone under international supervision.
Despite the lack of a decisive outcome, officials on both sides described the talks as “constructive” and said diplomatic engagement would continue. Analysts say while the meeting did not deliver immediate results, it reflects sustained international efforts to end one of Europe’s most devastating conflicts in decades.
