Trump Meets Zelensky as Peace Talks Progress

On December 28, 2025, President Donald Trump held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, expressing optimism about the ongoing peace negotiations. He mentioned that both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin are eager for peace.

Before their meeting, Trump shared with reporters that he had a lengthy phone conversation with Putin, stating, “The two leaders want it to end.” Russian foreign affairs advisor Yuri Ushakov characterized the call as “friendly, benevolent, and businesslike,” noting plans for a follow-up discussion after the meeting with Zelensky.

Zelensky’s main objective during this meeting was to secure improved terms for the peace agreement currently under discussion, which still necessitates some territorial concessions from Ukraine.

Trump praised Zelensky by saying, “This gentleman has worked very hard, and is very brave, and his people are very brave.”

When asked about the likelihood of achieving a deal, Trump replied, “It depends. I do believe we have the makings of a deal,” acknowledging that resolving the conflict has been particularly challenging.

“I don’t have deadlines,” he added. “You know what my deadline is? Getting the war ended.”

Alongside Trump, various officials attended the meeting, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Despite the negotiations, Russian attacks on Ukraine continued, resulting in at least three deaths and over 40 injuries in Kyiv and nearby areas due to drone strikes and missile launches, according to Zelensky. The attacks appeared aimed at disabling energy and civilian infrastructure, leaving many residents without heat.

Russia seeks not only to gain control of the Donbas region but also demands Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations, restrict the presence of NATO troops, and limit its military size.

In a bid to advance peace talks, the Trump administration offered Ukraine security guarantees akin to those of NATO.

“The basis of that agreement is basically to have really, really strong guarantees, Article 5-like,” a senior U.S. official stated. “Those guarantees will not be on the table forever.”

After their discussions, Trump and Zelensky addressed the media, with Trump asserting that they are “close” to a deal, although some “thorny issues” remain, particularly land concessions.

“We had a terrific meeting. We discussed a lot of things,” Trump observed, noting progress towards ending the war.

Zelensky reinforced this sentiment, indicating that the peace proposal is about “90 percent” complete.