Trump says 'lot of progress' after meeting with Zelensky

However, US president warns a few 'thorny issues' remain

- NICOLE WOOTTON-CANE BRYONY GOOCH

Donald Trump hailed crucial peace talks between the US and Ukraine as “terrific”, but acknowledged “thorny issues” remained before a deal could be achieved over the war with Russia.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to Mar-a-Lago in Florida yesterday hoping to make progress on the proposed 20-point peace plan, with particular concerns over security and economic agreements.

The two leaders gave little away during a press conference following the discussions, but Mr Trump said he believed “a lot of progress” had been made.

European leaders, including UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, also had a one-hour call with the pair as part of the negotiations, which president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said was “good”, adding: “Europe is ready to keep working with Ukraine and our US partners.”

However, the US president's call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin shortly beforehand suggested obstacles to peace remain.

Mr Zelensky said “great achievements” had been made following the talks, including “100 per cent” agreements on security guarantees between the US and Ukraine. He added security guarantees between the US, Europe, and Ukraine were “almost” agreed.

But Mr Trump described territorial issues, including contested regions such as Donbas and Zaporizhzhia, as “thorny” and yet to be agreed.