Zelensky Trump meeting in Florida signals progress as Ukraine’s peace deal moves closer amid intensified Russian attacks and global diplomacy.
New Delhi, December 28, 2025, 8:21 PM IST — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday for high-stakes discussions aimed at advancing a revised peace framework to end the prolonged conflict with Russia. Both leaders expressed cautious optimism that the latest negotiations could deliver a breakthrough after months of diplomatic maneuvering.
The private meeting, held amid tight security in Palm Beach, comes at a critical moment for Ukraine. Hours before Zelensky’s arrival, Russian forces launched one of the largest overnight assaults on Kyiv in recent months, firing nearly 500 drones and dozens of missiles. The attack left at least two dead and large parts of the capital without power and heating.
“Russia has shown again it doesn’t want peace—it wants domination,” Zelensky told reporters before departing for Florida. “But we will continue to pursue every diplomatic path available to end this war on Ukrainian terms.”
20-Point Peace Plan Nearing Completion
According to officials involved in the talks, the Ukrainian delegation presented a 20-point peace plan that is “90% complete.” This plan is a streamlined successor to an earlier 28-point proposal that Kyiv and its Western allies previously rejected for being overly favourable to Moscow.
Key sticking points remain unresolved, including the future status of the Donbas region, control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and the definition of U.S. and NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine in the post-conflict phase.
Trump, who has sought to position himself as a mediator capable of “ending the war in 24 hours,” struck a careful tone before the meeting. Speaking to reporters at his Florida estate, he said, “President Zelensky brings ideas to the table, but nothing is finalized until I approve it. We’re looking for something that works for everyone — especially for peace.”
Despite political differences in Washington, U.S. diplomatic sources said the Mar-a-Lago meeting represents one of the most concrete steps yet toward a potential ceasefire since fighting erupted in February 2022.
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International Coordination Before Talks
Before traveling to the United States, Zelensky made a brief stop in Halifax to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who announced a $2.5 billion economic support package aimed at helping Ukraine sustain its economy and secure fresh International Monetary Fund assistance.
“Peace cannot come without pressure on Russia to withdraw,” Carney said during a joint press conference. “The world has witnessed the barbarism of recent attacks on Kyiv. What we are calling for is not simply a truce, but a just and sustainable peace.”
Following the Halifax stop, Zelensky participated in a joint video conference with several European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also joined, emphasizing unity behind Ukraine’s negotiating position.
“Our collective goal remains clear — a peace that defends Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” von der Leyen said.
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Moscow’s Position Unchanged
The Kremlin, meanwhile, has dismissed the latest diplomatic push. In a televised address on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s demand for full control over the Donbas region and insisted that Ukraine must renounce any future NATO membership.
“If Kyiv refuses to resolve the matter peacefully, Russia will accomplish all the aims of the special military operation by military means,” Putin warned.
A Narrow Window for Peace
Diplomatic analysts suggest that the Florida meeting could set the stage for intensified negotiations in early 2026, particularly if the United States signals willingness to underwrite long-term security commitments to Kyiv. However, skepticism remains over whether Russia will agree to any framework that does not formalize its territorial gains.
For Zelensky, the talks mark both a diplomatic risk and a potential turning point. Securing meaningful U.S. backing under Trump’s renewed influence could reshape the political calculus but only if Moscow sees credible incentives to halt its offensive.
“This is not just about stopping the war,” a senior Ukrainian official said after the meeting. “It’s about building a peace that will last.”
