On December 28, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to negotiate a peace agreement intended to address the nearly four-year conflict following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This meeting comes in the wake of intensified military actions by Russia, including recent strikes on civilian areas in Ukraine, which have resulted in casualties and raised significant humanitarian concerns.

Zelenskyy presented a revised 20-point peace plan developed by Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators, which includes security guarantees aimed at deterring future Russian aggression. Central to the discussions are contentious issues such as the status of the Donbas region, which remains largely under Russian control, and the management of a Russian-occupied nuclear power plant.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding Russia's commitment to peace, citing recent missile attacks on civilian targets as evidence of Moscow's lack of genuine interest in resolving hostilities. He emphasized the need for international support to apply pressure on Russia and secure a stable peace.

During the meeting, Trump acknowledged the complexities of the negotiations, particularly concerning territorial integrity, as Russia seeks to retain control over occupied areas. Zelenskyy indicated a willingness to consider compromises, such as establishing demilitarized zones monitored by international forces, contingent upon reciprocal actions from Russia.

Trump characterized a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as "excellent" and expressed belief that Putin desires peace, despite the ongoing military assaults. However, skepticism remains regarding the Kremlin's intentions, with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham highlighting the challenges of engaging with a nation that has consistently rebuffed diplomatic overtures.

The Kremlin has made clear its demands, including recognition of territories captured by Russian forces and limitations on Ukraine's military capabilities, which have been firmly rejected by Ukrainian officials. As the conflict persists, the potential for a diplomatic resolution remains uncertain, with both sides entrenched in their positions.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaching out to various European counterparts to discuss the situation further. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's readiness for peace, while Trump indicated that further discussions with Putin would occur soon. The complexities of these negotiations reflect broader implications of military aggression and territorial disputes in the region, raising critical questions about the humanitarian impact on affected populations.