Following last week's US-Russia talks in Florida, President Donald Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to push forward peace negotiations with Russia. The meeting builds on recent phone discussions and a reported surge in progress, with Zelensky hopeful for a realistic war end before year-end.
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to meet Sunday at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to advance a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. This follows last week's US-Russia negotiations in Florida—led by Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—and a Christmas Day phone call between Zelensky, Witkoff, and Kushner. Zelensky announced the high-level meeting in a Friday post: “We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level – with President Trump in the near future. A lot can be decided before the New Year. Glory to Ukraine!” Ukrainian officials confirmed the Sunday timing, with a White House official noting the Mar-a-Lago venue, where Trump plans to stay until January 4.
The Trump administration reports "more progress in the last two weeks than the last year." Post-call, Zelensky expressed optimism: the “Christmas understandings and ideas discussed will prove useful,” with details on formats, meetings, and timing to "bring a real peace closer." He stressed 24/7 work for "realistic, effective, and reliable" steps to end Russia's war.
The talks build on a recent 28-point US peace plan as the war nears its four-year mark. Ukraine backs some elements but wants talks on others, including troop withdrawals from eastern areas for a demilitarized “free economic zone” with US/European security guarantees. Russia demands full Donbas control and disputes persist over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
