Ukraine-U.S. talks make progress on security, stall on territory issue

Axios reported the information.

After two days of marathon discussions totaling more than seven hours, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump's advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner made significant headway on a security framework modeled after NATO's Article 5. However, the question of Ukraine's borders remains a major sticking point.

The American proposal reportedly asks Ukraine to withdraw from approximately 14% of the Donbas region it currently controls, transforming the area into a demilitarized "free economic zone." Zelenskyy has raised concerns about what would prevent Russia from simply moving in once Ukrainian forces pull back, and has emphasized that only the Ukrainian people could approve territorial concessions through a referendum.

"We have different positions on territory," Zelenskyy confirmed after the talks, though he stressed he did not believe Washington was "demanding" Ukraine cede land, but rather conveying Russia's demands.

A U.S. official characterized the progress as "90%" complete, with remaining issues requiring technical discussions. Working groups are expected to meet this weekend somewhere in the United States, potentially in Miami, where military officials will examine detailed maps.

The security guarantees being offered have reportedly surprised European officials with their strength. "Giving this NATO-like Article Five guarantee is something that President Trump believes he can get Russia to accept," one U.S. official said, adding that such guarantees would need Senate approval.

Trump joined a dinner meeting via phone call on Monday and later told reporters in the Oval Office: "Things are seemingly going well ... I think we are closer to a deal than we have ever been."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who participated in the discussions, expressed optimism about the American security proposals. Zelenskyy indicated he wants greater clarity on how those guarantees would function before making decisions on territorial matters. "We are really close to strong security guarantees," Zelenskyy said in a Monday briefing.

The U.S. framework offers Ukraine substantial security guarantees, an accelerated path to European Union membership, and billions in reconstruction funding—in exchange for significant territorial losses. For Russia, the deal would mean territorial gains and a return to the global economic community.

Yet officials in Kyiv and European capitals worry Ukraine could make painful concessions only to see Russia reject the agreement and demand more. Both Ukrainian and U.S. officials have expressed support for Chancellor Merz's proposal of a Christmas ceasefire.