President Donald Trump said Sunday that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is now “closer than ever,” raising fresh hope that the brutal war nearing its fourth year could finally come to an end—pending resolution of a few remaining, as he put it, “thorny issues.”
Speaking at a Mar-a-Lago press conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump struck a confident but realistic tone, emphasizing progress while acknowledging the difficulty of the negotiations.
“In a few weeks, we will know one way or the other,” Trump said. “It’s been a very difficult negotiation.”
Trump revealed that earlier in the day he held an extended phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing both conversations as productive.
“We had a terrific meeting. We discussed a lot of things,” Trump said. “And I do think we’re getting a lot closer… We could be very close. There are one or two very thorny issues, but I think we’re doing very well. We made a lot of progress today.”
The president explained that any finalized agreement might need to be approved by Ukraine’s parliament or even put to a public referendum, noting that the overwhelming desire on all sides is to stop the bloodshed.
“Everybody wants [the war] ended,” Trump said. “I want it ended because I don’t want to see so many people dying.” Straightforward, human, and refreshingly direct.
When pressed by reporters about the unresolved issues, Trump said they primarily involve territorial questions—specifically land seized by Russian forces and who would control it once a deal is finalized.
“The land, they’re talking about,” Trump said. “Some of that land has been taken, some of that land is maybe up for grabs, some of that land may be taken over the next couple of months… You’re better off making a deal now.” Not exactly comforting, but undeniably pragmatic.
Asked again about timing, Trump reiterated that clarity would come soon. “In a few weeks, we will know one way or the other,” he said, underscoring the complexity of the talks.
Reflecting on his phone call with Putin, Trump noted a shift in tone. “I saw a very interesting President Putin today,” he said. “I think we’re going to get there.” Trump added that the call lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours and covered substantial ground—“We didn’t talk about the weather,” he joked.
“I really believe we’re probably—by far—closer than ever before with both parties,” Trump said. When he looked to Zelensky, the Ukrainian president nodded in agreement.
After years of stalemate, missed opportunities, and endless suffering, the prospect of real progress is finally on the table. With Trump leading direct talks, applying pressure, and keeping the focus on results, peace—actual peace—appears closer than it has ever been.
