United States President Donald Trump has said he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
But both leaders acknowledged one or two “thorny issues” remain unresolved.
The two leaders spoke at a joint press conference on Monday AEDT after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Trump said it will be clear “in a few weeks” whether negotiations to end the war will succeed.
Zelenskyy said an agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine had been reached.

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump expressed a cautious optimism regarding a potential agreement, suggesting that negotiations are nearly complete. “We are 95 percent of the way there,” Trump remarked, indicating that European nations are expected to assume a significant role in this effort, with support from the United States.

Zelenskyy previously said he hoped to soften a US proposal for Ukrainian forces to withdraw completely from the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, a Russian demand that would mean ceding some territory held by Ukrainian forces.
Both Trump and Zelenskyy said on Monday AEDT the future of the Donbas had not been settled.

“It’s unresolved, but it’s getting a lot closer. That’s a very tough issue,” Trump admitted, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.

Against the backdrop of mounting pressure from Russian air raids on Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his way to Mar-a-Lago on Monday AEDT. The visit underscores the urgency of ongoing conflicts affecting Ukraine.

Just before Zelenskyy and his delegation arrived at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, the US and Russian presidents spoke in a call described as “productive” by Trump and “friendly” by Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov.
Ushakov, in Moscow, said Putin told Trump a 60-day ceasefire proposed by the European Union and Ukraine would prolong the war.
The Kremlin aide also said Ukraine needs to make a quick decision about land in the Donbas.

Prior to the meeting, Zelenskyy informed journalists of his intentions to address several critical issues with Trump. These include the contentious status of Ukraine’s Donbas region, the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and other pressing matters.

Russia hit the capital Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine with hundreds of missiles and drones on the weekend, knocking out power and heat in parts of Kyiv.
Zelenskyy has described the latest attacks as Russia’s response to the US-brokered peace efforts, but Trump said he believes Putin and Zelenskyy are serious about peace.
“I do think we have the makings of a deal,” Trump said.
“We have two willing countries. We are in the final stages of talking.”

Ukraine remains firm in its desire to maintain the current front-line positions as the map’s basis, reflecting the nation’s strategic priorities in the ongoing conflict.

Russia claims more battlefield advances

Russia has repeatedly insisted Ukraine yield all of the Donbas, even areas still under Ukraine’s control.

Ukraine wants the map frozen at the current front lines.

Russian officials have objected to other parts of the latest proposal, sparking doubts about whether Putin would accept whatever the Florida talks might produce.
Putin said he would continue waging the war if Ukraine did not seek a quick peace. Russia has steadily advanced on the battlefield in recent months, claiming control over several more settlements.

You May Also Like

Australia Secures Energy Future: New Rule Mandates 20% Gas Supply Reservation for Domestic Use

In a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing domestic gas availability and curbing…

Child Protection Workers Suspended Following Tragic Passing of Infant Kumanjayi Little

IN BRIEF Three child protection workers have been stood down over their…

Ray Martin’s Controversial Rant Sparks Global Attention: Apology Demanded Amid Australia’s ‘No’ Vote Debate

Ray Martin has come under scrutiny for remarks made during a speech…

Heightened Security as ISIS Brides Prepare for Imminent Return: Police on Alert

This morning on Today, a lively debate unfolded between Nationals Senator Bridget…

Beloved Program Poised for Comeback in Major Supermarkets

Shoppers will soon have the opportunity to recycle soft plastics at leading…

US Defense Secretary Stays Silent on Speculation About ‘Kamikaze Dolphins

But in a bizarre press conference exchange, Pete Hegseth was deliberately oblique…

Peter Van Onselen Acknowledges Anthony Albanese’s Success in Recent Decision

Anthony Albanese may not have suddenly transformed into an outstanding prime minister…

Noel Pearson Criticizes Neil Mitchell’s ‘Radio Cube’ Perspective, Warns of Grim Future if Voice Referendum Fails

Noel Pearson, a prominent advocate for the Yes campaign, has delivered a…

Albanese Launches Ambitious $10 Billion Plan to Boost Fuel Reserves with Massive Government Stockpile

in brief A government-owned fuel reserve will be set up, as well…

Shocking Revelations: Court Unveils Alleged Suicide Note by Jeffrey Epstein

In Brief The handwritten note was said to have been discovered by…

Another Nation Grapples with Cruise Ship Virus Crisis

The Swiss government has confirmed that a patient is currently hospitalized with…

Rising Temperatures Could Lead to Thousands of Heatwave-Related Deaths in Australia by 2100

According to a recent study, the impact of climate change on Australia…