Palm Beach, Florida – December 28, 2025 (Clarion Newschannel) –
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism following a high-stakes meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, stating that negotiations toward a peace deal to end Russia’s nearly four-year war in Ukraine are advancing, with significant agreement reached on key issues like security guarantees.
The leaders met for over two hours in the resort’s main dining room, joined by top U.S. officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Jared Kushner. Discussions centered on a revised 20-point peace proposal developed through recent U.S.-brokered talks, which Zelenskyy described as approximately 90% complete prior to the meeting.
“I think we’re getting a lot closer, maybe very close,” Trump told reporters afterward, adding that “in a few weeks, we’ll know one way or another.” He emphasized progress on security guarantees for Ukraine, involving strong commitments from the U.S. and European nations, while acknowledging “thorny issues” remain, particularly over territorial control in the eastern Donbas region.
Zelenskyy echoed the positive tone, calling the talks a “great meeting” and noting full alignment on security provisions. “We discussed all the aspects of the peace framework,” he said, highlighting the importance of lasting guarantees to deter future aggression. The Ukrainian leader also mentioned plans for continued working groups and potential follow-up meetings, possibly in Washington.
The meeting followed a morning phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, described by Trump as “good and very productive.” Trump indicated he plans to speak with Putin again soon, insisting that both sides want to end the conflict.
However, the diplomatic push came against the backdrop of intensified Russian military action. Just one day earlier, on December 27, Russia launched a massive barrage involving nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles targeting Kyiv and surrounding areas. Ukrainian officials reported at least two people killed—one in the capital and one nearby—and dozens wounded. Strikes hit energy infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and disrupting heating for over 2,600 apartment buildings and schools amid freezing winter temperatures. A third of Kyiv was without heat, exacerbating hardship for residents.
Zelenskyy has characterized the assaults as Russia’s true response to peace efforts, underscoring Moscow’s ongoing demands for territorial concessions while Ukraine seeks a ceasefire along current lines.
European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, joined parts of Sunday’s discussions via video link, reaffirming support for Ukraine. Working groups are expected to accelerate efforts in the coming weeks as the U.S. facilitates separate talks with Russia.
Clarion Newschannel will continue monitoring developments in this critical phase of diplomacy.
Trump and Zelenskyy Report Progress on Ukraine Peace Deal Amid Ongoing Russian Attacks on Kyiv
