Ukraine Peace Talks Edge Closer, But Donbas Remains Elusive

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Ukraine peace talks are making progress, but a breakthrough remains elusive, particularly over the disputed Donbas region. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where they discussed key issues, including post-war security guarantees and the fate of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region. Trump stated that negotiations are 'getting a lot closer, maybe very close' to an agreement, but acknowledged that several 'thorny issues' surrounding territory still need to be resolved. Zelensky emphasized that an agreement on post-war security guarantees had been reached, which he described as 'the key milestone in achieving a lasting peace.' The Donbas region remains a sticking point, with Ukraine seeking to soften a US proposal that would require Ukrainian forces to withdraw completely from the area. Moscow wants full control of the region, while Kyiv has suggested freezing front lines at current positions. The US has proposed creating a free economic zone if Ukraine leaves the area, but it remains unclear how such a zone would work in practice. Trump expressed optimism that talks are 'moving in the right direction,' but cautioned that Donbas remains unresolved. The Ukrainian parliament would need to approve any peace agreement, and Zelensky has suggested that a referendum could be held if necessary. Trump stated that he would be willing to address Ukraine's parliament if it would help secure the deal. Before meeting with Zelensky, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reiterated his demand for Ukraine to decide the Donbas issue 'without further delay.' Putin also claimed that a 60-day ceasefire proposed by the European Union and Ukraine would only prolong the war. Trump described the call with Putin as 'productive' and 'friendly,' and claimed that Putin pledged to help rebuild Ukraine, including by supplying cheap energy. However, Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev appeared to back Trump's efforts on X early Monday. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, was also discussed during negotiations. US negotiators have proposed shared control of the facility, and Trump stated that progress had been made, with the plant potentially starting up 'almost immediately.' Trump and Zelensky also called a group of European leaders, including the European Commission President and the leaders of Finland, France, Germany, the UK, and Poland, to discuss the peace talks. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Trump's efforts and said that Ukraine is 'ready for peace.' Despite diplomatic progress, fighting continued in Ukraine, with Russian forces launching hundreds of missiles and drones at Kyiv and other parts of the country the day before Zelensky arrived in Florida.