US President Donald Trump on Sunday said peace efforts in the Ukraine war had reached a critical stage after holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump said he believes both Ukraine and Russia are serious about ending the conflict.
The meeting took place at Trump’s Florida estate as part of what he described as a renewed diplomatic push. Trump said he has no fixed deadline but remains committed to ending the war.
Trump also holds call with Putin
Before meeting Zelensky, Trump spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a conversation he later described as productive. He said the call renewed his confidence in the possibility of cooperation with Moscow.
Asked about Russia’s continued attacks on Kyiv, Trump said Putin remained committed to peace. He also acknowledged Ukraine’s recent military actions, saying such responses are sometimes unavoidable during war.
Security guarantees discussed for Ukraine
Speaking alongside Zelensky, Trump said any emerging agreement would include strong security guarantees for Ukraine. He added that European nations would play a major role in enforcing any future arrangement.
Trump’s advisers have previously floated NATO-style guarantees, which could require allied military responses if Russia attacks again. However, Trump has so far ruled out supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles.
Russia presses for concessions
The Kremlin offered a tougher assessment of Trump’s call with Putin, saying a ceasefire alone would prolong the conflict. Russian officials again insisted that Ukraine must accept territorial compromises.
European leaders remain skeptical of Moscow’s intentions, especially after Russia launched fresh drone and missile strikes on Kyiv. The attacks temporarily cut power and heating to hundreds of thousands of residents.
Peace framework begins to take shape
A revised peace proposal developed through weeks of US-Ukraine talks would freeze fighting along current front lines. The plan could involve Ukrainian troop withdrawals from parts of the east and the creation of demilitarized zones.
While the proposal reflects Kyiv’s clearest openness yet to limited territorial compromise, it does not include a full withdrawal from Donetsk areas still under Ukrainian control. Zelensky said discussions with Trump focused on strategy and coordination.
Trump and Zelensky are expected to hold a joint call with key European leaders, while another call between Trump and Putin is also planned.
