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Trump–Zelensky Meeting: Peace Talks Progress, Thorny Issues Still Block Ukraine Deal

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TrumpZelensky Meeting: Progress Claimed, But Ukraine Peace Deal Still on a Knife’s Edge

Palm Beach, December 28–29, 2025

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met for more than three hours at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, in what both sides described as a “productive” but far-from-final round of talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year Russia–Ukraine war.

Trump emerged optimistic, saying negotiators had made “a lot of progress” and that peace was “maybe very close.” Zelensky echoed that tone — cautiously — while stressing that unresolved issues remain and that Ukraine’s people, not politicians alone, will ultimately decide key outcomes.

Despite the positive language, no formal breakthrough was announced, underscoring just how fragile and complex the negotiations remain.

What Actually Happened in the Meeting

The talks focused on a revised 20-point peace framework, trimmed down from an earlier 28-point proposal floated by Trump’s team.

According to Zelensky:

  • Around 90% of the plan has been agreed upon

  • 100% agreement exists on security guarantees and military arrangements

  • The remaining disagreements involve territory, sovereignty, and sequencing

Trump, notably, refused to assign percentages, saying peace talks don’t work “like math problems.”

Still, the tone marked a clear shift from earlier confrontational meetings this year. Trump openly praised Zelensky’s leadership and resilience, while Zelensky repeatedly thanked Trump — a contrast to their tense February Oval Office encounter.

The Biggest Sticking Points

1. Ukrainian Territory

The most explosive issue remains the fate of eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas region and areas currently occupied by Russian forces.

  • Trump acknowledged land concessions are part of the discussion

  • Zelensky insisted any territorial decision must be approved by Ukrainian voters, potentially through a referendum

  • Ukraine’s constitution does not allow territory to be ceded by parliament alone

This makes any deal politically risky inside Ukraine — even if leaders agree on paper.

2. Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

Another unresolved issue is control and security of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, currently under Russian occupation.

Who runs it, who secures it, and under what international oversight remains unclear.

3. Russia’s Buy-In

Russia was not present at Mar-a-Lago.

However:

  • Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin by phone before meeting Zelensky

  • Another Trump–Putin call is expected

  • Putin has agreed to form special working groups on security and economics

Without Putin’s consent, no deal moves forward — and ongoing Russian attacks underline that risk.

The Brutal Reality on the Ground

The diplomacy unfolded just days after Russia launched its largest sustained assault of the year on Kyiv, killing civilians, injuring dozens, and knocking out heating for large parts of the city amid freezing temperatures.

Even as talks continue:

  • Russian drone and missile strikes have not stopped

  • Ukrainian cities remain under fire

  • Civilians are paying the immediate cost

This contrast — negotiations in Florida while bombs fall in Kyiv — highlights how thin the line between diplomacy and escalation remains.

What Happens Next?

According to Zelensky:

  • US and Ukrainian teams could meet again as early as next week

  • Trump plans to host Ukrainian and European leaders in Washington in January

  • European leaders insist any deal must include ironclad security guarantees

ASEAN-style observers aren’t involved here, but European backing will be decisive, especially if territory compromises are proposed.

Trump also left the door open — at least rhetorically — to traveling to Ukraine or addressing its parliament if it would help seal a deal.

CONCLUSION

This meeting didn’t end the war — but it kept the peace process alive.

Trump believes this is the best window to end the conflict.
Zelensky believes peace is possible — but only if Ukraine’s sovereignty is protected and its people have the final say.
Putin remains the wildcard.

For now, diplomacy is moving faster than it has in months — but the final 10% of this deal may prove harder than the first 90%.

Whether this becomes a historic peace agreement or another stalled negotiation will likely be decided before the new year.

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