On December 28, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, which lasted several hours, focused on the complexities of the war, with both leaders expressing cautious optimism about nearing a resolution despite significant challenges.

Trump indicated that discussions were progressing, stating they are 'getting a lot closer, maybe very close' to an agreement. However, he acknowledged that key issues, particularly concerning the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, remain contentious. Zelensky emphasized that two critical questions from a proposed peace plan still require resolution: the operational status of the nuclear facility and territorial disputes.

The dynamics of the meeting were complicated by Trump's frequent references to his grievances regarding the 2020 election and the investigation into his 2016 campaign, which may overshadow the urgency of addressing the conflict in Ukraine. During a subsequent press conference, Trump made controversial remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that the war would not have occurred if the 2020 election had not been 'rigged and stolen.' He also downplayed the severity of recent Russian attacks on Kyiv, which have resulted in civilian casualties, and implied that Ukraine had also engaged in significant military actions.

Despite the discussions, there was no clarity on the specific pressures Trump might apply to Russia to facilitate a peace agreement. Trump mentioned prior conversations with Putin and expressed a belief in Putin's commitment to peace, yet he did not commit to any actions to resolve the conflict if an agreement could not be reached, stating that violence would likely continue.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges, with both sides suffering considerable losses. Ukraine continues to receive military support from the U.S. and European allies, while Russia maintains an advantage in resources. Recent military actions, including drone warfare, have shifted the dynamics of the conflict, complicating defensive and offensive operations.

Zelensky expressed skepticism about Russia's commitment to peace, highlighting the disparity between Putin's diplomatic rhetoric and military actions. The situation underscores the complexities of achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict, with many Ukrainians expressing doubt about the prospects for peace amidst ongoing hostilities. The humanitarian implications of continued militarization and aggression remain a pressing concern as the conflict persists.