Trump Says Ukraine Peace Deal “Very Close” After “Terrific” Meeting With Zelensky
Date: December 29, 2025
By: Vagabond News Desk | The Vagabond News
President Donald Trump said a peace agreement aimed at ending the war in Ukraine is “very close,” following what he described as a “terrific” meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Speaking to reporters after the talks, Trump struck an optimistic tone, suggesting that months of behind-the-scenes diplomacy may be nearing a breakthrough. “We had a terrific meeting. I think we’re very close to a deal,” Trump said, without disclosing specific terms under discussion.
High-Stakes Talks Amid Prolonged War
The meeting comes as the war in Ukraine continues into its fourth year, with no decisive military outcome and mounting economic and human costs on all sides. Western allies have increasingly pushed for diplomatic channels to complement battlefield support, while Kyiv has maintained that any peace must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Zelensky, in brief remarks following the talks, confirmed that discussions focused on “security guarantees, reconstruction, and a just end to the war,” but stopped short of endorsing Trump’s claim that a deal was imminent.
What Could a Deal Look Like?
While no formal framework was announced, sources familiar with the discussions said the talks touched on:
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A potential ceasefire monitored by international observers
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Long-term security assurances for Ukraine
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Phased sanctions relief tied to compliance
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Post-war reconstruction funding involving U.S. and European partners
Trump has repeatedly argued that his direct negotiating style and relationship-driven diplomacy could succeed where multilateral efforts have stalled.
Skepticism and Cautious Reactions
Despite Trump’s confidence, analysts urged caution. Previous peace initiatives have faltered over disagreements on territory, NATO alignment, and accountability for war crimes.
European officials, speaking anonymously, said they welcomed any genuine progress but stressed that “announcements must be matched by concrete, verifiable steps.”
For now, the White House has not released a readout of the meeting, and no timeline has been set for further talks.
What Happens Next
Diplomatic sources say follow-up meetings involving senior U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials are expected in early January. Whether Trump’s claim of an imminent deal proves accurate may soon become clear.
As the conflict grinds on, even the prospect of progress—however tentative—has drawn global attention.
Tags: Ukraine war, Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia-Ukraine conflict, peace talks, global diplomacy
