US President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on 28 December 2025, describing talks as a step closer to ending the Russia-Ukraine war, with Zelenskyy offering territorial concessions on Donbas while Russia launched strikes on Kyiv in apparent response to peace efforts.
President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on 28 December 2025 for discussions focused on peace negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, as Zelenskyy pitched new concessions including on eastern territories amid ongoing Russian attacks on Kyiv.
Key Developments in Florida Summit
US President Donald Trump stated that peace between Ukraine and Russia was “closer than ever before” following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago, according to NDTV reporting on 29 December 2025. Zelenskyy arrived bolstered by support from European leaders and Canada, which includes $2.5 billion in aid, as noted in a CTV National News broadcast on 29 December 2025. Trump told reporters that both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin were “serious” about peace, with no deadline set but a focus on ending the war, per Agence France-Presse via NDTV on 29 December 2025. Zelenskyy plans to raise “territorial issues,” particularly the fiercely contested Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, according to Global News on 28 December 2025.
As reported by Sanstuti Nath for NDTV, Trump insisted negotiations were advancing after what he called a “terrific meeting,” while Agence France-Presse stated on 28 December 2025 that Zelenskyy would push a new peace plan despite a massive Russian bombardment of Kyiv.
Background of Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with leaders including Canada’s Mark Carney ahead of the Trump meeting, as covered by Global News on 26 December 2025. Trump added he would hold another call with Putin, with both US and Ukrainian presidents set to meet European teams, according to CTV National News on 29 December 2025. Zelenskyy described a Russian strike on Kyiv as Moscow’s “answer” to peace efforts, per ABC News on 27 December 2025. European backing was crucial before the Trump-Zelenskyy talks, amid questions over whether Putin seeks a negotiated settlement or is stringing along negotiations, as discussed in the CTV broadcast.
Russian Actions and Ukrainian Response
Russia struck Kyiv ahead of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, with Zelenskyy labelling it a direct response to diplomatic overtures, according to ABC News on 27 December 2025. Efforts to secure support from Canada and Europe preceded the Florida summit, highlighting coordinated international pressure on Russia, per CTV National News. Zelenskyy is offering new concessions to end the war, as reported by ABC News on 28 December 2025.
Implications and Reported Next Steps
Trump floated no specific timeline but emphasised urgency in resolving the conflict, with Zelenskyy pitching territorial concessions on Donbas where Moscow and Kyiv remain at odds, according to Global News on 28 December 2025. The US president plans further discussions with Putin, while joint meetings with European teams are anticipated, as stated in CTV National News on 29 December 2025. No breakthrough in talks has been confirmed, with Global News reporting on 29 December 2025 that a Ukraine deal is closer but challenges persist. Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of a “full-scale war with the West” ahead of Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding regional tensions, per NDTV on 29 December 2025.
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded their 28 December 2025 meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Trump declaring peace efforts advanced, amid Zelenskyy’s concessions pitch, Russian strikes on Kyiv, and planned follow-up calls with Putin and European allies, as reported across ABC News, NDTV, CTV National News, Global News, and Agence France-Presse.
