Trump and Zelenskiy Report Progress on Ukraine Peace Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine are moving “a lot closer,” though key issues—including the fate of the Donbas region—remain unsettled. The announcement came after a meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy take questions from the media upon Zelenskiy’s arrival for meetings at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Both leaders reported progress on security guarantees for Ukraine and discussions over Donbas, which Russia has sought to capture. Zelenskiy said an agreement on security guarantees had been reached, while Trump described it as 95% complete, with European countries expected to take a substantial role in the plan.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the “Coalition of the Willing” will meet in Paris in early January to finalize contributions to Ukraine’s security.

Despite the progress, the future of Donbas is still unresolved. Ukraine wants to freeze the front lines, while Moscow insists on full control. Trump noted that a free economic zone is being considered if Ukraine leaves the area, though details remain unclear.

U.S. President Donald Trump, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, reacts during a meeting with a Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Zelenskiy emphasized that any peace deal would need approval from Ukraine’s parliament or a referendum, while Trump said he would be willing to address parliament to help secure an agreement.

No Support for Temporary Ceasefire

Ahead of the Florida meeting, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for over two hours. As reported in Reuters, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said both leaders do not support a European-Ukrainian push for a temporary ceasefire. According to Ushakov, such proposals—often framed as preparation for a referendum—would only prolong the conflict and risk renewed hostilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hold a press conference after their lunch meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Ushakov added that Kyiv needs to make a “bold decision” on Donbas in line with Russian-U.S. discussions. Russia controls about 90% of Donbas and roughly one-fifth of Ukraine overall, and seeks withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the remaining 10% of the region.

Trump said progress had been made on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, under Russian control. Shared management has been proposed, and repairs are underway following a local ceasefire brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Trump described the steps as “a big step” and noted the facility could resume operations almost immediately.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shake hands during a press conference after their lunch meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Ongoing Violence Despite Diplomacy

Despite current peace talks, the day before Zelenskiy’s visit, Russian forces attacked Kyiv and other regions, cutting power and heat in parts of the capital. Trump said he believes both Zelenskiy and Putin are serious about peace despite continued military operations.

An explosion lights up the sky over the city during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine December 27, 2025. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

A police investigator leaves a residential building that was struck by a Russian drone during a night of Russian drone and missile attacks, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, December 27, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

European leaders participated in parts of Sunday’s meeting by phone, emphasizing the importance of “ironclad” security guarantees and the urgency of ending the war.

Trump and Putin Discuss Economic Prospects

Ushakov said Trump listened to Russian assessments of the conflict and highlighted the potential for economic cooperation between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. The Kremlin described the call as “friendly” and productive, with Trump pledging to continue discussions with Putin following the meeting with Zelenskiy.