Trump and Zelenskyy meet at Mar-a-Lago to discuss Donbass and peace deal

The issue of ownership of Donbass, a key point for a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, remains uncertain following a meeting lasting over two hours at Mar-a-Lago between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President-elect Donald Trump.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Zelenskyy, as reported by CNN, Trump stated: “This is definitely one of the main issues, and I think we are close to a solution… It hasn’t been solved yet, but we’ve gotten significantly closer. It’s a very complicated matter.”

“The agreement is 95% ready”

Trump noted that the peace agreement is 95% ready and could be signed within “a few weeks.”

However, Trump also mentioned the possibility of the deal falling through, warning that in such a case, the parties would “continue to fight, and people will continue to die.”

Arguing that Ukraine should hold a referendum for the peace plan or have it approved by parliament, Trump said: “91% of Ukrainians are in favor of ending the war. Russia wants to end it too. Everyone wants it to end.”

Zelenskyy: The decision must be made by society

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian people must decide on the territorial issue and that a potential referendum could cover every article of the peace plan.

Zelenskyy said, “Of course, our society must make a choice. Because this is their land, the land of our people for generations to come.”

Zelenskyy reported that 90% of the peace plan and 100% of the security guarantees for Ukraine have been agreed upon, painting an optimistic picture of the process details.

Regarding the provision of Ukraine’s security, Trump stated that Europe would take the lead: “Europe will take the lead. But we will help Europe 100%, just as they help us.”

Trump: Putin is ready to help rebuild Ukraine

Donald Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin wished Ukraine “success” and is ready to participate in the country’s reconstruction.

Trump said, “It sounds a bit strange, but Putin is very generous about Ukraine’s recovery; he’s ready to provide cheap electricity.”

Adding that he “understands” Putin’s reluctance to agree to a ceasefire, Trump conveyed the Russian leader’s concerns:

“He thinks like this: they fight, then they have to stop, and then they probably start again. He doesn’t want to be in that situation. I understand his position.”

Working groups are being established

An agreement was reached during the talks to establish working groups for the resolution process. According to Trump’s statement, the American delegation will include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, special representative Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, General Dan Cain, and several other names.

Zelenskyy announced that the Ukrainian working group would include Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, and First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kislitsa.