• Trump and Zelenskyy claim progress on a 20-point peace deal amid ongoing Russian assaults on Ukraine.
• Security guarantees and territorial issues remain key points of negotiation.
• Despite optimism, concrete breakthroughs are yet to be achieved as tensions persist between Ukraine and Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, where both leaders expressed optimism about nearing a peace deal to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia, despite the backdrop of renewed missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. Zelenskyy described the engagement as a "great meeting," emphasizing the importance of international support to pressure Russia for a resolution. Trump remarked, "I think we’re getting a lot closer, maybe very close," which highlights a significant shift in tone given the ongoing hostilities, according to Indiatimes and ABC News.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed a "20-point peace plan" that reportedly is "about 90% ready," with substantial progress on U.S.-Ukraine security guarantees. However, they both acknowledged that a few "thorny" issues, particularly concerning territorial concessions and a future demilitarized zone in the Donbas region, remain unresolved. Trump's enthusiastic view included the perspective that Russia is also interested in a successful Ukraine, indicating that "Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed," an assertion that caught Zelenskyy off guard and prompted laughter, according to Indiatimes and Anadolu Agency.

As negotiations progressed, Trump indicated a need for a concrete deadline for reaching an agreement, stating, "In a few weeks, we will know one way or the other." Despite this optimism, the conflict continues to escalate, with recent Russian rocket and drone attacks reportedly resulting in significant infrastructure damage in Ukraine. Zelenskyy reiterated the necessity of security guarantees to ensure lasting peace, implying that any territorial changes would be contingent upon public approval through referendums as he consulted with key European leaders about the implications of these discussions, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

Following the meeting, the two leaders held a joint call with European leaders to reaffirm their commitment to a coordinated approach towards supporting Ukraine. Trump suggested that a trilateral meeting with Putin could be arranged "at the right time," reflecting his attempt to pivot back to a diplomatic avenue despite skepticism from international observers regarding Russia's motives and longstanding territorial claims. The discussions in Florida occur amidst ongoing military actions that reveal the complexities and difficulties both sides face in achieving a peaceful resolution to the war, according to Le Monde and BBC.