Following their December 28 meeting at Mar-a-Lago, US President-elect Donald Trump announced 90% agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a framework to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The leaders plan to speak again on Monday, after advances on security guarantees and military issues, with Zelensky affirming Ukraine's readiness for peace.
Trump detailed 'significant advances' in Sunday's talks, claiming '90% agreement' overall. He specified '100% agreement' on security guarantees for Ukraine and the military dimension, 'almost agreed' on guarantees for the US, Europe, and Ukraine, and ongoing finalization of the prosperity plan.
The negotiations, involving Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, addressed eastern territories, future security, and Russia's occupation of the Zaporizhia nuclear plant. Ahead of the Zelensky meeting, Trump held a 'good and very productive' call with Vladimir Putin and plans another afterward.
Russia demands Ukraine cede southern and eastern territories, despite over 1.1 million Russian soldiers reportedly killed or wounded. On Saturday, Moscow launched over 500 drones and 40 missiles at Kyiv, killing one and leaving a third of residents without heating. 'The Russians are carrying out a campaign based on instilling exhaustion, cold, and fear,' said Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.
The peace plan draft was trimmed from 28 to 20 points, though Moscow rejects provisions on postwar Ukrainian army size. Ukraine insists on binding US protection guarantees, while Russia seeks clarity on sanctions and frozen assets. Zelensky opposes ceding a fortified belt in Donetsk, suggesting a demilitarized zone contingent on Russian withdrawal.
