Trump and Zelensky Signal Major Progress Toward Ending Europe’s Largest War Since WWII

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has wrapped up a high-level meeting with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, with both sides describing the talks as a major step toward ending the most significant war in Europe since World War II.
Following the meeting, Trump said discussions were extensive and detailed, covering virtually every major dimension of the conflict. He noted that these talks followed earlier in-depth conversations with Vladimir Putin, framing the Mar-a-Lago meeting as part of a broader diplomatic push rather than a standalone event. According to Trump, the process has now reached a phase where concrete outcomes are beginning to take shape.
Key Takeaways
- Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump described their Mar-a-Lago meeting as a major step toward ending the largest European war since World War II.
- One or two major obstacles remain, mainly around disputed territory, but both sides say overall progress has been strong.
- Further meetings with EU leaders and a Ukrainian delegation are planned in the coming weeks, though Trump cautioned that a final deal is not guaranteed.
Zelensky, for his part, publicly thanked Trump for what he described as a productive and constructive exchange. He emphasized that the meeting strengthened coordination not only between Kyiv and Washington, but also across Europe, helping to bring key players closer to a shared position on how the war could be brought to an end.
A 20-Point Framework Takes Shape
At the center of the discussions is a proposed 20-point peace framework that Trump said is now almost fully aligned between the United States and European leaders. He stressed that coordination with EU officials was a core element of the meeting, signaling a shift toward a more unified Western approach.
Under this framework, Europe is expected to take the initiative in driving the next phase of negotiations, while the United States would play a supportive role. Trump made clear that no binding promises were offered during the talks, but said the level of alignment between Washington and European capitals marks a significant change compared to earlier stages of the conflict.
Zelensky added that if certain elements of the plan prove controversial or difficult for Ukrainian society to accept, a national referendum could be held. This, he said, would ensure democratic legitimacy for any final agreement, especially if compromises are required.
Thorny Issues Remain
Despite the positive tone, Trump acknowledged that one or two issues remain particularly difficult. The most sensitive topic, he said, concerns territory that has already been taken or could still be taken in the coming months. He described this as the hardest part of the negotiations, but also suggested that the current moment may represent the best opportunity to reach a deal before conditions change.
Trump said that if progress continues at the current pace, further meetings with EU leaders and a Ukrainian delegation could take place within weeks to finalize the remaining details. He cautioned, however, that success is not guaranteed, noting that failure to resolve the final sticking points could still derail the process.
Even so, Trump struck an optimistic note, saying he believes an agreement can be reached and emphasizing that Putin appears genuinely interested in resolving the conflict. “I think we will get it done,” Trump said, adding that the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the momentum translates into a lasting peace.









