Trump: "95% of Ceasefire Deal Reached... Approaching Agreement on Donbas Territory"

Three-Hour Summit with Zelensky
Donbas Territorial Dispute Remains Unresolved
U.S. Proposes 'Free Economic Zone' as Compromise
Consensus Reached on Immediate Restart of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Zelensky: "100% Agreement on Military Security

U.S. President Donald Trump (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are holding a joint press conference on the 28th (local time) after concluding the U.S.-Ukraine summit for Russia-Ukraine peace at the Mar-a-Lago Resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Photo by AP

The Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations have passed a critical milestone. On December 28 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a negotiation plan containing "strong security guarantees for Ukraine" is underway.

President Trump held a joint briefing after concluding a summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Mar-a-Lago Resort in Florida on the same day. He stated, "I believe (Russia and Ukraine) will reach an agreement," and added, "The peace negotiations are in their final stage."

President Trump said, "There will be a security-related agreement. It will be a strong agreement with deep involvement from European countries," and emphasized that "Europe will play a major role." He also stressed that there is "no deadline" for the peace negotiations.

Previously, President Zelensky had announced on December 25 that he would meet with President Trump to discuss the recently drafted 20-point peace plan, security guarantees, and postwar reconstruction. After the summit, he stated, "We are in 100% agreement on military aspects, and 90% agreement on the overall plan." This suggests that while there is no disagreement on security guarantees, differences remain regarding territorial issues.

The biggest point of contention in the current peace plan discussions is the territorial issue. Ukraine is demanding a ceasefire based on the current frontlines. In contrast, Russia is demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from eastern Donetsk and the cession of territory in the Donbas region.

To mediate the differences between the two sides, the United States proposed a compromise plan to establish a demilitarized zone and a free economic zone in the Donetsk region, which is partially controlled by Ukraine. However, the specific operational details have not been released.

Regarding the creation of a free economic zone in Donbas, which the United States suggested as a solution, it was stated, "The issue has not yet been resolved, but the positions of Russia and Ukraine have become much closer."

When asked how close the parties are to reaching a peace agreement, President Trump expressed confidence, saying, "It could be about 95%." He particularly noted that "progress is being made in the right direction" regarding the Donbas territorial issue.

On another key issue, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, he said, "Russian President Vladimir Putin is working with Ukraine to operate the plant," and emphasized, "President Putin is being very cooperative."

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in southern Ukraine, is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and is currently under Russian control. About two weeks ago, it temporarily lost external power supply due to a Russian attack. Although it is not currently operational, continuous power supply is required for reactor cooling.

The United States wants Ukraine, the United States, and Russia to jointly establish a company to operate the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, with equal shares and the United States serving as the chief executive. However, Ukraine maintains that Russia should not be involved in the plant's operations.

President Trump, referring to a phone call with President Putin before the meeting with President Zelensky, said, "Russia will also help with Ukraine's reconstruction." It was reported that after the summit, he spoke with President Putin and European leaders to brief them on the results of the meeting.

Prior to this summit, President Zelensky met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and held a series of phone calls with European leaders, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, to coordinate positions. After the summit, President Zelensky revealed that President Trump proposed to soon invite Ukrainian and European delegations to Washington, D.C.