Is Peace on the Horizon? Zelensky and Trump Discuss Ukraine Conflict Progress

In a recent meeting, Ukraine's President Zelensky announced that a peace plan to end the ongoing conflict is nearly complete, while US President Trump expressed optimism about progress. Despite ongoing airstrikes and challenges, both leaders are committed to negotiations, with discussions set to continue next week. The focus remains on security guarantees and the future of the contested Donbas region, as both sides seek a resolution to the four-year war. Will this be the breakthrough needed for lasting peace?

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 10:48 IST

A Step Towards Peace?

New York: President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine announced that a peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict is now '90 percent' complete. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism, stating they are 'getting a lot closer, maybe very close' following their recent discussions aimed at ending the four-year war.

Their meeting on Sunday occurred against the backdrop of significant airstrikes by Russia targeting Ukraine, as well as retaliatory strikes by Kyiv on Russian oil facilities, highlighting the precarious nature of Trump's peace efforts.

Trump tempered expectations regarding the peace process, cautioning reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida that 'it’s possible it doesn’t happen, and in a few weeks, we’ll know one way or another.'

Both parties agreed to continue negotiations.

Zelensky shared on X that US and Ukrainian teams would convene 'as early as next week to finalize all discussed matters,' and Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian and European leaders in Washington next month.

Kremlin spokesperson Yury Ushakov indicated that the US would maintain discussions through two working groups focused on security and economic issues, with terms likely to be finalized in early January.

Zelensky, who presented a 20-point peace proposal, stated on X after their meeting, 'We discussed all aspects of the peace framework and achieved significant results. We also talked about the sequence of further actions.'

'We agreed that security guarantees are crucial for achieving lasting peace, and our teams will continue to work on all aspects,' he added.

During their discussions, Trump and Zelensky also held a conference call with European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Ukraine enjoys robust support from Western European nations and Canada, which are allies of the US, exerting pressure on Trump.

Von der Leyen noted on social media, 'There was good progress, which we welcomed.'

Echoing Zelensky's sentiments, she stressed that 'ironclad security guarantees' are essential for a peace agreement.

This would involve military support from Western European countries, with Ukraine seeking a bilateral security agreement backed by the US.

A key component of this guarantee would be Ukraine's potential membership in the European Union.

Trump supported the notion of a security guarantee, albeit without delving into specifics, stating, 'There will be a security agreement. It will be a strong agreement. The European nations are very much involved in that.'

Prior to meeting Zelensky, Trump had a lengthy conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initiated the conflict.

'He wants to see it happen,' Trump remarked regarding Putin's stance on a peace deal, adding, 'I believe him.'

Ushakov mentioned that Putin conveyed to Trump that a 'bold and responsible political decision from Kiev' would align with Russia's position discussed with the US.

Trump also informed Putin that 'the Ukrainian crisis has been his most formidable foreign policy challenge.'

During his election campaign last year, Trump frequently claimed he could resolve the Ukraine War within 24 hours of taking office. However, 11 months later, despite a summit with Putin and multiple meetings with Zelensky, the conflict continues.

After initially appearing to favor Russia, Trump adopted a firmer stance, imposing sanctions on Russian oil companies, which are vital to the Kremlin's finances, following a failed summit with Putin in Anchorage last August.

In addition to security guarantees for Ukraine that stop short of NATO membership, the future of Ukraine's Donbas region, partially controlled by Russia, remains a significant obstacle to a resolution.

Russia seeks full control of the region, including areas it has yet to capture.

While Trump had previously suggested ceding the entire region to Russia, Zelensky countered with a proposal to establish it as a demilitarized zone.

Putin appears resolute in his aim to secure all of Donbas through military means.

Ushakov cautioned, 'Given the evolving situation on the front lines, it would be in the Ukrainian regime’s interest to make such a decision regarding Donbass without further delay.'