U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, for crucial peace negotiations concerning the ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting took place on December 28, 2025, aiming to explore avenues for ending the war in Ukraine.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
- President Trump expressed optimism about the dialogue, stating he believes both President Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin are ready to negotiate a peace deal.
- Trump indicated he had spoken with Putin shortly before the meeting, urging him to finalize a resolution, emphasizing the toll the conflict has taken on both nations.
- Despite having pledged to end the war upon taking office, Trump clarified he did not set a timeline for achieving a peace agreement, noting it may take a considerable amount of time.
Negotiation Sticking Points
Zelenskyy arrived with a comprehensive 20-point plan, emphasizing the need for stronger U.S. security guarantees as a critical component of any potential agreement. Significant concerns remain, particularly regarding territorial disputes.
- Zelenskyy suggested a demilitarized buffer zone in the Donbas region, aimed at appeasing Russia’s territorial ambitions.
- Trump faced media scrutiny during the talks but maintained that a robust security arrangement would be formulated to support Ukraine, although he refrained from detailing its specifics.
U.S. Delegation’s Involvement
The U.S. delegation at the meeting included key figures from Trump’s administration:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Secretary of State | Marco Rubio |
| Defense Secretary | Pete Hegseth |
| Chief of Staff | Susie Wiles |
| Special Mideast Envoy | Steve Witkoff |
| Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman | Gen. Dan Caine |
| Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner | Josh Gruenbaum |
| White House Advisor | Stephen Miller |
| Senior Advisor | Jared Kushner |
As the meeting progressed, Trump exuded confidence about the potential for a positive outcome, highlighting Zelenskyy’s bravery and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Following the discussions, Trump planned to further the negotiation process with another call to Putin.
