United States President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, expressing optimism that talks to end the war with Russia are nearing a conclusion.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described the negotiations as being in the "final stages," adding, "I think we can move pretty rapidly." He praised Zelenskyy as a "very brave" leader and expressed belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about reaching a peace agreement. This followed a lengthy phone call between Trump and Putin earlier in the day, which the US president described as "good and very productive."
Negotiation Details and Unresolved Issues
While Zelenskyy indicated that approximately 90% of the current 20-point draft peace plan had been agreed upon, significant hurdles remain unresolved. Key topics at the summit included the future of the contested Donbas region in eastern Ukraine and the crucial matter of long-term security guarantees to prevent a future Russian attack.
A critical challenge is Russia's apparent unwillingness to soften its demands. A Kremlin adviser stated after the Trump-Putin call that Russia believes a simple ceasefire would only prolong the conflict. Meanwhile, Trump has made no explicit commitment to a military defense pact with Ukraine, which has been a core demand from Kyiv for any lasting peace.
Meeting Held Against Backdrop of Renewed Russian Strikes
The summit in Florida took place just one day after Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults of the war, striking Kyiv with over 500 drones and missiles. The attack killed four people and left half a million without power. When asked about the strikes, Trump did not condemn Russia and instead suggested Ukraine had also carried out "very strong attacks," framing it as a necessity of war.
Zelenskyy was joined by top Ukrainian security and foreign policy officials, while Trump's delegation included senior figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The meeting represents a critical juncture for Ukraine, as it seeks to navigate a delicate diplomatic path with a US administration that has shown a distinct preference for ending the war, even if it means pressuring Ukraine for concessions. The coming days will determine whether the optimistic talk of a final deal translates into a sustainable and just peace, or if the nearly four-year-old conflict will continue.
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