EditTrump and Zelenskyy report progress on Ukraine peace deal After Mar-a-Lago meeting
European leaders positively assess progress in Ukraine peace talks following online call
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism about advancing toward a peace agreement to end Russia’s nearly four-year war against Ukraine following their bilateral meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Sunday.
The leaders held a joint news conference after the talks, describing significant progress on key issues, particularly security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelenskyy stated that the revised 20-point peace plan is 90% agreed upon, with U.S. security guarantees 100% coordinated, joint U.S.-EU guarantees nearly finalized, and the military dimension fully agreed. He emphasized that security guarantees are the foundation for lasting peace and noted ongoing work on a “Ukraine Prosperity Plan” and the sequence of implementation steps.
Trump was more cautious, saying the sides are “a lot closer, maybe very close” to a deal, with security guarantees about 95% complete and expecting Europe to shoulder a major role backed by the U.S. He acknowledged “thorny issues” remain, especially territorial disputes in the Donbas region, where Russia controls most of the area and insists on full annexation, while Ukraine prefers freezing lines at current positions or compromises like a free economic zone.
Both leaders confirmed the Donbas issue is unresolved but “moving in the right direction.” Discussions also covered shared control of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, with progress reported. Trump said it will be clear “in a few weeks” if negotiations succeed, and teams will continue meeting, potentially in Washington in January.
Any final agreement would require approval by Ukraine’s parliament or a referendum, with Trump offering to address parliament if needed.
Shortly before the meeting, Trump held a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, described as productive. Trump said Putin pledged to aid Ukraine’s reconstruction, including cheap energy, and believes Russia wants Ukraine to succeed. The Kremlin called the call friendly, but Putin reportedly rejected a proposed ceasefire, viewing it as prolonging the war, and urged quick decisions on Donbas.
Despite recent massive Russian attacks on Ukraine, including strikes on Kyiv the day before, Trump insisted both Putin and Zelenskyy are serious about peace.
European leaders joined part of the day’s discussions via a subsequent hour-long teleconference. Participants positively assessed the progress.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted good advancements and Europe’s readiness to collaborate with Ukraine and U.S. partners, stressing the paramount importance of ironclad security guarantees from day one.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki praised Trump’s active role and initiative, underscoring the need for all key parties to participate in regional security decisions. He noted Poland’s crucial position in any agreement, highlighting Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport as a hub for over 90% of aid to Ukraine since the invasion. Nawrocki stated that U.S. determination and European unity offer a real chance to end the war caused by Russia.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof welcomed U.S. signals and thanked Washington for its central role, urging Russia to prove genuine commitment to a just and lasting peace while reaffirming Dutch support for Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized maximum partner cohesion, with talks addressing security guarantees and unresolved topics. She called for alignment on Ukraine’s vital interests and stressed Russia must show responsibility and readiness for negotiations.
Overall, the meetings reflected advancing negotiations amid remaining challenges, with continued U.S.-led efforts and European involvement aimed at a sustainable resolution. In the meantime, Russia has shown no signs of backing down from its maximalist initial positions, which effectively amount to transforming Ukraine into a vassal state.
With Reuters, European Pravda and Suspilne.
Caption: A handout picture made available by the Presidential Press Service shows US President Donald Trump (5-R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (5-L), together with their delegation members, attending their meeting in Florida, USA, 28 December 2025. EPA/PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE
Updated: December 29, 2025 - 04:18
