Peace deal ‘closer’ but no talks breakthrough

Russia urges Kyiv’s forces to quit Donbas

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US President Donald Trump welcomes Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday.

(AFP)

United States President Donald Trump said Sunday that a deal was closer than ever to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine but reported no apparent breakthrough on the flashpoint issue of territory after new talks with the warring countries’ leaders.

Mr Trump, who had promised a peace deal on day one ofhis nearly yearold presidency, said it would become clear within weeks whether it was possible to solve the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people.

In a pre-New Year's diplomatic sprint, Mr Trump brought to his Florida estate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described a peace plan as 95% complete despite Russia unleashing major new attacks a day before on Kyiv’s residential areas.

Much like when Mr Zelensky last met Mr Trump in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin also spoke shortly beforehand by telephone with the US leader, who immediately insisted that Moscow was “serious” about peace despite the assault.