Trump said the Russia–Ukraine war could end “quickly” as Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for high-stakes peace talks, signaling an intensified US push to broker an end to the nearly four-year conflict.
Zelensky Meets Trump at Mar-a-Lago
Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived Sunday at Mar-a-Lago, where he was welcomed by Donald Trump. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Trump said, “We’re going to have a very good meeting today,” adding that a “quick” end to the war was possible.
Trump said he planned to call Vladimir Putin after the talks, noting the two had already spoken earlier in the day.
Trump Says Putin ‘Very Serious’ About Peace
Standing alongside Zelensky, Trump told reporters he believed Putin was serious about ending the war. “I do, I do. I think he is,” Trump said when asked whether Moscow was genuinely interested in peace. “Too many people are dying, and I think both presidents want to make a deal.”
Pressed on whether recent Russian attacks on Kyiv contradicted that view, Trump said he believed both sides were engaged militarily but still open to diplomacy.
Ukraine Brings Revised Peace Proposal
Zelensky arrived carrying a revised 20-point peace proposal developed with US negotiators. The plan includes security guarantees Kyiv says are essential to prevent future Russian aggression.
Zelensky acknowledged two major sticking points in talks with Washington: the future of the Donbas region and control of a Russian-occupied nuclear power plant. Both issues are expected to feature prominently in discussions at Mar-a-Lago.
“These are some of the most active diplomatic days of the year,” Zelensky said, adding that outcomes depend on international partners and pressure on Russia.
Donbas and Elections Remain Key Obstacles
Zelensky has said he could consider withdrawing Ukrainian troops from parts of Donbas still under Kyiv’s control to create a demilitarised zone—if Russia made equivalent withdrawals. Moscow has rejected that idea, insisting on retaining all seized territory and demanding control over remaining Donbas areas.
He has also said Ukraine could hold its first general election since 2019, another Russian demand echoed by Trump, provided security conditions allow.
Russia Signals Strength, Keeps Door Open
The Kremlin has avoided outright rejection of the proposal, calling instead for continued dialogue—an approach analysts say may be aimed at avoiding alienating Trump. At the same time, Putin has sought to project battlefield momentum, warning that if Kyiv refuses a peaceful settlement, Russia would achieve its aims “through armed means.”
