Trump confirms 'very productive' phone call with Putin ahead of meeting with Ukraine's Zelenskyy

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Sunday, December 28, that he had a “very productive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly before hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago to discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump announced the call on Truth Social, adding that his meeting with Zelenskyy would be open to the press.

The Kremlin confirmed the call took place but did not release details. The talks come as US-backed negotiations continue to take shape.

Trump signals optimism as peace talks continue 

Trump shared news of the call hours before his meeting with Zelenskyy at his Palm Beach, Florida, residence, where the president is spending the holidays. 

“I just had a good and very productive telephone call with President Putin of Russia prior to my meeting, at 1.00 pm today, with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine,” Trump wrote.

“The meeting will take place in the main dining room of Mar-a-Lago. Press is invited,” he added. 

Zelenskyy has said he intends to press Trump on security and territorial issues, including the fate of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. 

Ukrainian officials have described a new 20-point draft peace proposal as nearly complete, with Zelenskyy telling reporters it is “about 90% ready.” 

The proposal reportedly includes a demilitarized zone in parts of eastern Ukraine, requiring Russia to withdraw forces while international monitors oversee security.

Trump has expressed confidence that a deal may be within reach.

He told the New York Post there was a “good shot” at a lasting peace, adding, “I settled eight wars, and this is the most difficult of them all. But I think we’ll get it done.”

He also suggested Russia’s struggling economy could pressure Putin to negotiate, saying, “Their economy is in tough shape, very tough shape.”

At the same time, Trump has indicated he would need to approve any final proposal.

Asked about Zelenskyy’s plan, he said that the Ukrainian leader “doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” adding, “So we’ll see what he’s got.”

Fighting reportedly continues as leaders push diplomacy 

Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia has reportedly continued its military campaign. On Saturday, Russian forces struck Kyiv with ballistic missiles and drones, killing at least one person and injuring dozens, according to Ukrainian officials. 

Nearly a third of the capital was allegedly left without heat following the attacks. 

Additional strikes were reported in eastern Ukraine, including in Sloviansk, where local officials said private homes were hit, injuring several people and killing one man.

Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for continued pressure on Moscow alongside negotiations. 

During a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Nova Scotia over the weekend, Zelenskyy said peace would require “pressure on Russia and sufficient, strong support for Ukraine.” 

Zelenskyy also spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying that the two discussed battlefield developments and the consequences of Russian strikes.

Zelenskyy has said he plans to brief allies following his talks with Trump.