Trump–Zelensky Peace Talks at Mar‑a‑Lago | Ukraine Russia Peace Effort

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar‑a‑Lago resort on December 28, 2025, for a high‑profile peace negotiation meeting aimed at ending the nearly four‑year war between Russia and Ukraine. Both leaders expressed guarded optimism about progress toward a comprehensive peace framework while acknowledging that several critical issues remain unresolved.

Progress on a 20‑Point Peace Framework

During a joint press conference, Trump and Zelensky said that negotiators have advanced a 20‑point peace proposal, with Zelensky indicating the parties have achieved agreement on about 90 % of the plan’s elements and Trump suggesting progress may be “close to 95 %.” 

Security Guarantees and Ongoing Negotiations

Both leaders emphasized the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine as a cornerstone of any future peace deal. Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine and the United States — with support from European partners — have aligned on key security principles, though details must still be finalized. Trump also stressed that other partners, including European nations, will need to play a significant role in providing long‑term guarantees. 

Remaining Challenges: Territory and Donbas

Despite progress, territorial issues — especially the fate of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine — remain some of the most “thorny” and unresolved aspects of the talks. Trump called these issues “very tough,” while Zelensky underscored that Ukraine would seek parliamentary or public approval for any territorial arrangements, including through possible referendums if a ceasefire is achieved. 

Diplomacy Amid Continued Violence

The meeting at Mar‑a‑Lago followed major Russian strikes on Kyiv, in which hundreds of drones and missiles targeted Ukrainian infrastructure, causing widespread damage and civilian casualties. The attacks underscored the urgency of diplomatic efforts even as hostilities persist.

Earlier Contacts with Russia

Trump also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone before Zelensky’s visit, describing the discussion as “good and very productive” and expressing hope that Putin would engage constructively in peace negotiations. Putin has historically demanded territorial concessions as part of any settlement — a sticking point that continues to complicate talks.

While no final agreement was immediately announced, both Trump and Zelensky said their teams would continue dialogue in upcoming weeks, including planned meetings in Washington with European allies. Trump expressed confidence that the peace process, though complex, could be completed in the near term if remaining issues are resolved.

The Mar‑a‑Lago summit marked a rare direct engagement between the two leaders in the peace talks, reflecting intense diplomatic pressure to end one of Europe’s most destructive conflicts. If successfully concluded, the proposed peace framework could redefine the security architecture in Eastern Europe and establish long‑term guarantees for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.