Trump Seeks End to Ukraine Conflict, Meets with Zelensky
Palm Beach, Florida – December 28, 2025 – President Donald Trump engaged with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, signaling progress toward a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump expressed optimism that both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin desire a peaceful end to the situation.
Prior to the meeting at his Mar-a-Lago residence, President Trump revealed he had a lengthy phone conversation with Putin, stating that both leaders are ready to see the conflict resolved. A Russian foreign affairs advisor described the Trump-Putin call as “friendly” and “businesslike,” noting an agreement for further discussion after Trump’s meeting with Zelensky.
Zelensky aimed to refine the terms of the peace agreement under negotiation, which reportedly involves some territorial considerations for Ukraine.
“This gentleman has worked very hard, and is very brave, and his people are very brave,” Trump said, referring to Zelensky.
When asked if the meeting would lead to a deal, Trump responded cautiously, “It depends. I do believe we have the makings of a deal,” acknowledging the difficulty of resolving the war. He emphasized that his priority is ending the war, rather than adhering to strict deadlines.
The meeting included key figures such as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and others.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, large-scale Russian military actions persist. Recent attacks, including drone and missile strikes on Kyiv, have resulted in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
Russia’s demands include control over the Donbas region, a commitment from Ukraine to refrain from joining NATO or hosting NATO troops, and limitations on the size of the Ukrainian army.
To facilitate progress in peace talks, the Trump administration has proposed security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to those within the NATO alliance. “The basis of that agreement is basically to have really, really strong guarantees,” a U.S. official stated, emphasizing that these guarantees are contingent on reaching a positive resolution.
Following the meeting, Trump and Zelensky held a joint press conference, with Trump stating that a deal is “close,” but that unresolved issues remain, including land concessions. “We had a terrific meeting. We discussed a lot of things,” Trump stated. “We have made a lot of progress on ending that war.”
Zelensky echoed Trump’s sentiments, indicating that the peace proposal is nearing completion. The President’s commitment to strong national defense and strategic diplomacy aims to protect American interests while fostering stability abroad. This approach prioritizes securing favorable outcomes for America and its allies through negotiation and strength, rather than entanglement in endless conflicts. The current administration hopes that a strong stance, coupled with open communication, will lead to a swift and equitable resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
