Trump hosts Zelenskiy for peace talks

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for talks aimed at advancing a potential peace deal to end the war with Russia. Trump said the two leaders “have the makings of a deal” and described negotiations as being in “final stages,” adding that he plans to call Russian President Vladimir Putin again after speaking with Zelenskiy. People familiar with the meeting said discussions covered battlefield developments, diplomatic initiatives, security guarantees, territorial arrangements for the Donbas region, and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Zelenskiy used the encounter to restate Ukraine’s position that any settlement must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity and emphasized the need for continued Western military and financial support, warning against pressure to make concessions that could embolden Moscow. Briefers said Zelenskiy secured assurances on security guarantees; Trump claimed talks were about “95%” complete and suggested European nations would play a major role in guarantees and reconstruction financing. French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for an early-January meeting in Paris to finalize contributions.

Trump described a recent conversation with Putin as “productive,” saying the Kremlin signaled willingness to assist Ukraine with energy and other supplies at low cost; the Kremlin reportedly expressed support for Trump’s negotiating efforts. Negotiators are also reported to be working on arrangements for shared control or local ceasefire measures to allow operations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Despite continued fighting, including recent missile strikes on Kyiv, Trump portrayed both sides as serious about reaching terms. Zelenskiy said any agreement would require ratification by Ukraine’s parliament or a public referendum, and Trump offered to speak with lawmakers if that would help secure approval. The meeting underscored Kyiv’s effort to engage influential U.S. political figures across the spectrum as uncertainty over long-term Western support grows amid heated domestic debates in the United States. Neither leader released a full transcript; aides described the talks as wide-ranging and consequential for the diplomatic path ahead.