Trump and Zelenskyy Meet in Florida Amid War in Ukraine
On December 28, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to discuss progress toward ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. Both leaders emerged from the talks portraying a cautious but notable optimism about the prospects of a peace agreement, even as serious disputes remain unresolved.Al Jazeera
Trump told reporters that the peace talks had advanced significantly and that Russia and Ukraine were “closer than ever” to reaching an agreement following detailed discussions held during and immediately before the meeting. He highlighted the ongoing work by delegations from both sides that have been refining a multi-point peace framework over recent weeks.Al Jazeera
Progress Reported — But Key Issues Still Open
According to statements made after the meeting, Trump expressed that teams are “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to a deal, noting that much of the peace framework had already been reviewed and a substantial portion of the key issues had been addressed. However, he also acknowledged “thorny” and “tough” outstanding issues that still need resolution before a formal peace agreement can be finalized.ABC News
President Zelenskyy echoed the belief that progress had been made, pointing out that negotiators have largely agreed on the broad strokes of a 20-point peace plan and that security guarantees for Ukraine are seen as a crucial and largely agreed element of future peace arrangements. Yet final decisions — especially those concerning territorial matters — remain difficult and unresolved.euronews
Territorial Disputes and Security Guarantees
One of the most sensitive topics discussed at the Florida meeting involved the future control of Ukraine’s Donbas region and other contested territories. These areas have been at the center of conflict since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, with Russia seeking continued control over land it occupies and Ukraine seeking to retain sovereignty over its internationally recognised borders. Trump acknowledged that the territorial issue had not been settled, even as negotiations continue to move forward.Reuters
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has stressed the importance of comprehensive security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any lasting peace — assurances aimed at preventing future aggression and instilling confidence in long-term stability. Reports from the meeting indicate that discussions on these guarantees have made headway, though the scope and form of such commitments are still under negotiation.euronews
Diplomacy with Russia and International Involvement
Ahead of the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a conversation he characterised as productive. Trump has repeatedly insisted that both Russia and Ukraine share an interest in achieving peace, even as military engagements and tensions continue on the ground.AP News
In addition to U.S.–Ukraine diplomacy, European leaders and NATO partners have been engaged in their own efforts to support negotiations and shape a coherent peace framework. Those diplomatic interactions aim to align transatlantic positions and ensure that any eventual agreement reflects broader international support and security commitments.euronews
Public Statements and Global Reaction
At the joint press appearance following their meeting, both Trump and Zelenskyy emphasised that significant diplomatic movement has occurred, but neither leader declared that a final peace deal had been signed. Instead, the tone suggested cautious optimism — a recognition that the talks have approached a near-complete agreement on many points, even as final details remain complex and challenging.Al Jazeera
Analysts from various international news outlets noted that while the peace process seems closer than at many previous stages of the war, negotiations could still falter if remaining issues are not resolved swiftly or if external events influence the political will of either side. Such developments could include battlefield conditions, domestic political pressures, and international strategic interests.The Guardian
Outlook and Next Steps
Both governments indicated an intent to continue negotiations in the coming weeks, potentially with additional meetings involving European leaders and diplomats in Washington and other capitals. These follow-up discussions aim to finalise unresolved clauses, iron out territorial and security arrangements, and build consensus among allied nations supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term peace prospects.euronews
As global attention remains focused on diplomatic developments, the path toward a durable peace agreement remains uncertain. However, the recent talks in Florida mark one of the more hopeful moments in negotiations, suggesting that a roadmap for peace — if not the final treaty itself — may be beginning to take shape.Al Jazeera
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