Talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago residence have concluded. The meeting lasted 2 hours and 40 minutes, marking the longest negotiation between the two to date.
Immediately following the bilateral meeting, both presidents held a video conference with European leaders that lasted over an hour. Participants included Macron, Stubb, Navrotsky, Meloni, Starmer, Merz, NATO Secretary General Rutte, and European Commission President von der Leyen. "Good call, discussed concrete items on ending the war. We are all committed to a just and lasting peace," wrote Finnish President Stubb.
Trump also revealed that he held a phone conversation with Putin today lasting over 2.5 hours. "We discussed many points. I really think we are getting closer, very close," he stated. Prior to his talks with Zelensky, Trump said he believes Putin is "serious about peace."
Following the meeting, Zelensky announced significant progress: "The 20-point plan is 90% agreed, security guarantees from the US are at 100%, guarantees from the US and Europe at 90%, the military dimension at 100%, and the prosperity plan is being finalized." Trump estimated the overall progress at approximately 95%.
The territorial issue remains the most complex. "You know our position, we must respect our law and our people, our attitude towards this is very clear," Zelensky said. Trump confirmed: "The Donbas issue is not resolved yet; I think it will be resolved."
The leaders discussed the possibility of a referendum to approve the peace plan. "We spoke about a referendum; we can use it for the plan, or parliament will vote," Zelensky explained. According to him, if the plan is difficult for society to accept, the people must vote. Trump noted that Ukrainians abroad would also be able to participate.
Regarding the Zaporizhzhia NPP, Trump stated: "Putin is working with Ukraine to restart the ZNPP. It is the largest nuclear plant in the world, with five thousand employees. It can be operated immediately." Earlier, Zelensky reported that the US side proposed a management option for the plant involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US.
Trump noted the need to accelerate negotiations: "Russia still wants to seize territories in the coming months, so we need to hurry with a peace agreement." At the same time, he noted that Putin does not yet agree to a ceasefire: "When Zelensky was ready, Putin was not. When Putin was ready, Zelensky was not there. But I think both want this to happen."
The US President also stated that "Russia wants to see Ukraine successful" and is "ready to participate in Ukraine's reconstruction." When asked about consequences for Russia if the agreement is violated, Trump replied: "Russia is very generous, it is ready to let them recover."
The American working group on Ukraine will include Rubio, Hegseth, Witkoff, Kushner, and General Keane. Ukrainian representatives may join the group.
Zelensky invited Trump to visit Ukraine. "Possibly I will go to Ukraine to address parliament. I don't think it's necessary, but if it helps save 25,000 lives a month — I will go," Trump replied.
Zelensky expressed hope to finalize agreements within the coming weeks. "I hope that in January we will reach a decision on all documents," he said. Trump confirmed he would continue speaking with Zelensky tomorrow, and a trilateral Trump-Zelensky-Putin meeting could take place "at the right time."
A source in the Ukrainian president's team characterized the meeting as "one of the most important of all time."
