Trump Meets Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago to Discuss Peace Talks and Possible Zelenskyy-Putin Call
On December 28, 2025, former President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. The discussions could potentially unlock the first direct call between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in more than five years. The two leaders have not spoken since July 2020, following a failed Ukrainian operation targeting Russian Wagner mercenaries in Belarus, according to The Kyiv Independent.
Trump reported that he had spoken with Putin earlier, describing the conversation as good and productive and expressing optimism about reaching a possible deal and rapid progress. The focus of the talks was a US-backed 20-point peace plan, which is reportedly about 90% complete. This plan may include limited Ukrainian troop withdrawals and the establishment of demilitarized zones.
Zelenskyy suggested submitting the 20-point plan to a national referendum if Moscow agrees to a 60-day ceasefire and emphasized the importance of legally binding security guarantees from the United States. Prior to the meeting, Zelenskyy was reportedly anxious and studied notes prepared by Ukraine's International Policy Department and Foreign Ministry. This marked the third in-person meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy since Trump's return to office.
The meeting was attended by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who participated in discussions about advancing peace talks. Zelenskyy stressed that ending the war remains Ukraine's priority and highlighted the need for global support to negotiate effectively, underpinned by strong backing from the United States.
