Trump, Zelenskyy Hold Fresh Talks as Ex-US President Insists Putin Wants Peace

 

United States President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is genuinely interested in ending the war in Ukraine, following fresh engagements with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders.

Trump spoke shortly after holding a telephone conversation with Putin and hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for high-level peace discussions at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

Addressing reporters, Trump said there were “clear signs that a deal is possible,” noting that both Russia and Ukraine appeared weary of the nearly four-year conflict.

“Putin is very serious about peace,” Trump said, dismissing concerns that recent Russian military actions contradicted Moscow’s stated interest in negotiations. According to him, “the people of Ukraine want it to end, and the people of Russia want it to end.”

Zelenskyy, who arrived earlier at Mar-a-Lago, said he was hopeful the talks would accelerate efforts to bring the war to a swift conclusion.

“I hope this discussion will help bring peace as quickly as possible,” the Ukrainian leader said.

Sources familiar with the talks said discussions centred on an updated version of a United States-brokered 20-point peace framework, which addresses contentious issues such as territorial adjustments, security guarantees and post-war economic arrangements.

The proposed plan reportedly includes provisions on the future of disputed territories in eastern and southern Ukraine, the establishment of demilitarised zones, and long-term security assurances for Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials, however, insist that any territorial concessions would require a national referendum, a process that would first depend on a ceasefire agreement.

Kyiv has accused Moscow of resisting ceasefire proposals and continuing its push for additional territory, particularly in the Donbas region. Russia, on its part, has repeatedly rejected temporary truces, arguing they would only prolong the conflict.

Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said Trump largely shares Russia’s scepticism about ceasefire proposals advanced by Ukraine and its European allies.

Ushakov also disclosed that Washington and Moscow have agreed to set up two joint working groups on Ukraine, focusing on security and economic matters. He added that Trump and Putin are expected to speak again after the Trump–Zelenskyy meeting.

Meanwhile, fighting continues along the front lines, with both sides claiming gains in eastern and southern Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities say Russia has intensified attacks in a bid to weaken Kyiv’s negotiating position as diplomatic efforts gather momentum.

Despite Trump’s optimism, observers note that major hurdles remain, including the status of occupied territories, the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and Ukraine’s demand for firm Western-backed security guarantees.