PALM BEACH, Florida, Dec 29: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort on December 28, advancing discussions on a peace plan to resolve the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war. The talks come amid Russian territorial gains and recent missile strikes on Kyiv, which Zelenskiy labeled as Moscow’s retaliation to U.S.-led negotiations. Trump, fresh from a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin described as “productive,” expressed optimism, stating the U.S. and Ukraine are “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to a deal. No firm deadline was set, but Trump suggested clarity could emerge in weeks.
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The meeting addressed two core issues: post-war security guarantees for Ukraine and the future of the Donbas region, where Russia controls about 90% of the territory. Zelenskiy announced an agreement on security guarantees, calling it a “key milestone” for lasting peace, subject to Ukrainian parliamentary or referendum approval. Trump noted they were “95% of the way” there, with Europe expected to shoulder much of the burden backed by U.S. support.
Thorny Territorial Disputes Remain Unresolved On Donbas, talks were described as “moving in the right direction” but “unresolved,” with Trump highlighting “a few thorny issues around territory.” U.S. proposals include Ukrainian withdrawal for a free economic zone, though details are unclear. Russia rejects foreign troops in Ukraine and opposes a 60-day EU-Ukraine ceasefire. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, welcomed the progress on guarantees, planning a Paris meeting in January. Trump claimed Putin pledged reconstruction aid and cheap energy for Ukraine, signaling indirect U.S.-Russia engagement amid ongoing military tensions.