Russia-Ukraine peace deal: Trump, Zelenskyy announce 'real progress'

The US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy have announced real progress on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the deal is “closer than ever.”

During their talks in Florida, both leaders expressed optimism but also admitted that “thorny issues” are also likely to persist, as reported by The Guardian. 

Addressing reporters, Zelensky said they had inched closer to an agreement on “90 percent of a 20-point peace plan,” and US-Ukraine security guarantees were “100 percent agreed” to.

“We agreed that security guarantees are a key milestone in achieving lasting peace, and our teams will keep working on all aspects,” Zelenskyy said.

While talking to a joint news conference at Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said the alleged draft to end the conflict between the two countries was nearly “95 percent done.”

“I really think we are closer than ever with both sides,”, adding that the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, also wants to “see it happen,” US President added.

According to Trump, “The two leaders want it to end. I think we can move pretty rapidly. Otherwise it’s going to go on for a very long time.”

He added, “I do think we have the makings of a deal. We have two willing countries. We are in the final stages of talking.”

In addition to optimism, Trump also mentioned the possibility of “one or two” long-standing issues related to territory control and how the war might end.

The future of the Donbas region annexed by Russia has remained uncertain. To end this conflict, the US has proposed a free economic zone if Ukraine withdraws its forces as part of a peace deal. But it remains unclear how that zone would function in practical terms.

“I would not say we agreed, but we’re getting closer to an agreement on that, and that’s a big issue. Certainly, that’s one of the big issues, and… it’s unresolved,” Trump said.

According to the Ukrainian leader, the future of the territory should be decided by the people of Ukraine and the subsequent peace plan should be approved through Ukraine parliament and public referendum.

Trump and Zelenskyy both offered few details about the highly-anticipated peace deal along with a deadline for completing the deal.