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Zelensky and Trump held a meeting in Florida

On December 28, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for over three hours of talks aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The meeting followed intensive shuttle diplomacy and came just a day after a major Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv. Trump also spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin beforehand, describing the call as "good and very productive."

Both leaders expressed optimism but stopped short of announcing a breakthrough. Zelenskyy described the discussions as "substantive" and said a revised 20-point Ukrainian peace plan was about 90% agreed upon, with strong progress on security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump called it a "terrific meeting," saying the sides were "getting a lot closer—maybe very close" to a deal, though he acknowledged "thorny" unresolved issues, particularly the status of occupied territories like Donbas.

The talks highlighted ongoing challenges, with no immediate ceasefire or final agreement reached. Plans include follow-up meetings between U.S. and Ukrainian teams soon, a potential gathering with European leaders in Washington in January, and eventual direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations. While the tone was more positive than some past encounters, key differences remain, and Russia's stance on core demands like territory is still unclear.

Signal from Moscow

Shortly after the talks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s condition for halting hostilities is Ukraine’s complete withdrawal of its armed forces from Donbas.

Speaking to state-run media Interfax and TASS, Peskov clarified that a “responsible decision” on Donbas — referenced earlier by Putin aide Yuri Ushakov — would require Ukraine to pull its troops beyond the region’s administrative borders.

When asked whether the demand also applies to Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, Peskov declined to comment, saying Moscow is considering an end to the war only “in the context of achieving its goals.”

The US security guarantees are set for 15 years - Zelensky

After the meeting, President Zelensky said that the US security guarantees are set for 15 years. The draft agreement with the United States provides for security guarantees for Ukraine for 15 years, with the option of extension. Zelensky described the guarantees as strong but not yet permanent, urging longer-term commitments of up to 30–50 years, while discussions also covered a revised 20-point peace plan, economic cooperation, and the possible deployment of foreign troops to strengthen deterrence.

Ukrainian and U.S. teams will continue consultations in January, with the guarantees requiring approval by the U.S. Congress and European parliaments, as Zelensky stressed that Russia’s actions continue to contradict its peace rhetoric.

Russia will continue fighting - Putin

Despite ongoing peace talks and President Trump`s efforts, Vladimir Putin said that Russia will continue to conduct its war against Ukraine in accordance with plans set by the country’s General Staff, reiterating the Kremlin’s commitment to the so-called “special military operation,” the term used by Russian authorities to describe the invasion.

Speaking at a meeting cited by state media outlet Interfax, Putin claimed that Russian forces are advancing in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts while Ukrainian troops are retreating — assertions he has made repeatedly in the past, including claims about capturing Ukrainian cities such as Kupiansk that remain under Kyiv’s control.