Trump and Zelenskyy address Ukraine war and path toward peace deal in Florida meeting

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, December 28, at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year war between Ukraine and Russia.

The meeting comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts, following Trump’s phone call earlier in the day with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Both leaders indicated progress toward a potential agreement, though major differences remain, particularly over territory. The talks are centered on a US-brokered peace framework that Ukraine says is nearing completion.

Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy signal progress on peace framework 

Trump welcomed Zelenskyy outside his Palm Beach residence before the two leaders entered Mar-a-Lago for private discussions.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said that he believes both Ukraine and Russia want to reach a peace deal.

“I do, I think he is. I think they both are,” Trump said when asked whether he believed Putin was serious about ending the war. 

However, he stopped short of predicting an immediate breakthrough, adding, “It depends. I do believe we have the makings of a deal.” 

Zelenskyy said that the meeting would focus on advancing a 20-point peace plan that has been under discussion between Ukrainian and US officials for weeks.

“It’s very important our teams talk about strategy, how to make step-by-step, and to bring peace closer,” he said, adding that roughly 90% of the plan has already been discussed. 

The Ukrainian leader said territorial issues would be addressed during the talks, including the future of the contested Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.

Zelensky has previously said Ukraine may consider withdrawals as part of a demilitarized zone if Russia also pulls back and international security guarantees are put in place.

Trump declined to set any timeline for an agreement. “I don’t have deadlines,” he said. “You know what my deadline is? Getting the w*r ended.” 

Trump-Putin call and diplomatic pressure

The meeting followed a phone call earlier on Sunday, just hours before the POTUS met the Ukrainian leader, between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin confirmed but did not detail.

Trump later said that he planned to speak with the Russian president again after concluding talks with Zelenskyy. 

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said that the call lasted more than an hour and described it as “friendly, cordial and businesslike.”

According to Ushakov, both leaders agreed that a temporary ceasefire alone would not resolve the conflict and supported the creation of working groups focused on security and economic issues. 

Despite the diplomatic push, fighting continued in Ukraine.

Russian forces reportedly launched missiles, drones, and guided aerial bombs over the weekend, striking Kyiv and eastern cities including Sloviansk.

Ukrainian officials reported civilian casualties, damage to homes, and disruptions to power and heating. 

Ahead of his Florida visit, Zelensky spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, briefing them on the situation and emphasizing the need for sustained international pressure on Russia.

“Ukraine is willing to do whatever it takes to stop this war,” Zelensky said in a social media post.