President Donald Trump said that teams are «getting a lot closer, maybe very close» to achieving a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia after speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin and having a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida on Sunday.
«We had a terrific meeting. We discussed a lot of things. As you know, I had an excellent phone call with President Putin that lasted for over two hours. We discussed a lot of points, and I do think we’re getting a lot closer,» Trump said.
The president said they covered «95%» of the issues needed to end the war. Trump then detailed the call with European leaders after his bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy, indicating that it went well.
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands at a news conference following a meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, December 28, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Zelenskyy thanked Trump for hosting the meeting and also noted how close the teams were to achieving a peace deal.
«We have a great achievements, a 20-point peace plan, 90% agreed, and U.S.-Ukraine security guarantees, 100% agreed. The U.S.-Europe-Ukraine security guarantees almost agreed. Military dimension, 100% agreed. Prosperity plan being finalized, and we also discussed the sequencing of the following actions. And we agree that security guarantees is the key milestone in achieving lasting peace, and our teams will continue working on all aspects,» Zelenskyy said.
On territory and a possible demilitarized zone
When asked what continues to be the thorniest issue in attempting to reach a peace settlement to end the war, Trump said that it is territory.
«Well, I think the land you’re talking about, some of that land has been taken. Some of that land is maybe up for grabs, but it may be taken over the next period of a number of months, and are you better off making a deal now — look, let me tell you, they have been very brave. They fought very hard, and continue to fight very hard and do tremendous damage,» Trump said, speaking about the Ukrainian military.
Trump was asked whether the parties had agreed to territory swaps or the proposed demilitarized zone in the Donbas, which would mean that neither Russia nor Ukraine would control the territory. Trump indicated that «agreed» was too strong a word to use, but did say progress was made on the issue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and President Donald Trump end their press conference at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, in Palm Beach, Fla., December 28, 2025
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Trump was then pressed about a recent Kremlin statement saying that Ukraine has to give up the Donbas region entirely, which he said was an issue that the teams would have to «iron out.»
«Well, that’s what they’ve been asking for,” Trump said, referring to Russia. “And, you know, there’s a dispute about that. So they’re going to have to iron that out. That’s an issue they have to iron out. … I think it’s moving in the right direction,» he added.
When Zelenskyy was asked about the issue of territory in the ongoing discussions, he said Ukraine’s position is “very clear,” which is why Trump said “this is a very tough question.»
«We have to respect our law and our people. We respect the territory which we control. And of course, that our attitude is very clear. That’s why President Trump said this is very tough question. And of course, we have with Russians different positions on it,» Zelenskyy said.
On a possible ceasefire
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Trump was asked about whether Russia would agree to a ceasefire, even if just for a long enough period for Ukraine to hold a referendum on parts of a peace deal. Trump indicated that it is a sticking point in the negotiations.
«Not a ceasefire. And that’s one of the points that we’re working on right now. … He feels that look, you know, they’re fighting and to stop and then, if they have to start again, which is a possibility, he doesn’t want to be in that position. I understand that position,» Trump said.
President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Fla., December 28, 2025.
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Trump said that they are «finding ways that we can get around that.»
Earlier in the day on Sunday, when pressed by reporters on whether Putin is serious about peace, considering Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukraine — including dozens of drone strikes on Ukraine overnight, according to the air force in Kyiv — Trump reiterated that he thinks Putin is “serious.”
“No, he’s very serious. I think, you know, I can say that. I believe Ukraine has made some very strong attacks also,” Trump said. “Look, the people of Ukraine want it to end, and the people of Russia want it to end, and the two leaders want it to end.”
On next steps
Zelenskyy and Trump both said negotiations would continue in the coming weeks. Trump said that Zelenskyy and other European leaders would meet, possibly at the White House, in the coming weeks to continue negotiations.
Trump said if things go “really well,” a peace settlement could be reached in “a few weeks,” but it’s also possible that a breakthrough never comes.
Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump arrive at a press conference following talks at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Fla., December 28, 2025.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
“But you know, in a few weeks we will know one way or the other,” Trump said, adding, «It’s been a very difficult negotiation.»
The U.S. delegation present at the talks, per the White House, included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum, White House advisor Stephen Miller, and Jared Kushner, the president’s son in law.
