In Florida on December 28, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for talks aimed at a comprehensive peace plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. The talks, held at Mar-a-Lago, brought together U.S. and Ukrainian delegations with involvement from Russia and European partners, and were described by participants as a potential new phase in diplomacy. While both leaders voiced cautious optimism, no final peace pact had emerged by press time.
Observers cited a sense that the talks were moving toward a framework rather than an immediate deal. Zelensky suggested that much of the plan—particularly the security guarantees for Kyiv—was nearing completion, with some reporting of high progress on guarantees on a 15-year term (though Ukraine reportedly desires longer terms). President Trump said the parties were getting closer but stressed that several thorny issues remained to be resolved before any final agreement.
The core disagreements center on Donbas and the future status of Zaporizhzhia, as well as the duration and terms of security guarantees for Ukraine. Donbas territorial arrangements and the fate of Zaporizhzhia remain sensitive and complicated issues that could shape the durability of any eventual settlement. European partners have pressed for ironclad guarantees, while Kyiv has been hesitant about terms that could be perceived as compromising Ukrainian sovereignty.
Zelensky floated the possibility of a referendum framework paired with a ceasefire, suggesting a potential 60-day ceasefire as a pathway to a vote. Russia reportedly did not back a temporary ceasefire, and some EU/Ukraine observers warned that such pauses might prolong the conflict. The idea of a referendum remains controversial and would require significant legal and political groundwork.
Delegations signaled willingness for further talks, with a view to resuming discussions in January, potentially in Washington, D.C. European partners continue to push for ironclad security guarantees for Ukraine, while the two sides work to firm up the remaining details on Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and the precise scope of guarantees. A final peace agreement had not been reached as of the latest reports.
The Florida talks marked a potential turning point, signaling momentum toward a peace framework, but major hurdles remain. Analysts cautioned that any agreement would require careful balancing of security guarantees, territorial questions, and long-term commitments from all parties.