Trump Says Ukraine Peace Deal Near, Key Gaps Remain

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine were closer than ever, but acknowledged that no breakthrough had yet been reached on the most contentious issue—territory.

Speaking after fresh diplomatic contacts with both Kyiv and Moscow, Trump said it would become clear within weeks whether a peace agreement was achievable, nearly a year after he returned to office pledging to end the war swiftly.

As part of a year-end push, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida for talks with senior aides, just a day after Russia launched new attacks on residential areas of Kyiv. The meeting followed a separate phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which the US leader said Moscow appeared “serious” about pursuing peace.

“I really believe we’re far closer than ever before with both parties,” Trump said during the meeting with Zelensky, adding that “everybody wants it ended.”

Following their discussions, Trump and Zelensky held a joint call with European leaders, many of whom are wary of any settlement that could strengthen Russia’s position. Zelensky later said further talks involving European partners could take place in Washington in January.

Despite the optimism, Trump conceded that sharp disagreements persist over territorial issues. A revised US-backed framework would freeze the conflict along current frontlines in eastern Ukraine and establish a demilitarised zone, while Russia continues to demand broader territorial concessions.

“It’s unresolved, but it’s getting a lot closer,” Trump said, calling the issue difficult but solvable.

Zelensky signalled cautious openness to the proposal, marking Kyiv’s clearest indication yet that territorial compromises could be considered, subject to approval by Ukrainian voters. He said the plan was “90 percent agreed,” with US-backed security guarantees fully settled, while work continues on economic recovery measures and sequencing.

Russia, however, has shown little sign of compromise. The Kremlin urged Kyiv to withdraw forces from contested regions and criticised European involvement, arguing that temporary ceasefire proposals would only prolong the conflict.

The latest Russian strikes disrupted electricity and heating supplies for hundreds of thousands of civilians amid freezing temperatures, underlining the urgency—but also the fragility—of the ongoing diplomatic push to end the war.