Zelensky meets Trump at Mar-a-Lago as Ukraine peace talks continue
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swapped the missile-battered streets of Kyiv for the ornate dining room of Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, seeking U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval for a revised 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
After more than three hours of discussions, neither leader announced a major breakthrough. Both emphasised the complexity of the negotiations and the need for more time. Trump, who spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day, expressed a relatively sympathetic view of Moscow’s position.
Despite the challenges, Trump praised Zelensky and expressed optimism that a peace agreement could be near. “I do think we’re getting a lot closer, maybe very close,” he said.
Trump indicated that U.S., Ukrainian, and European teams would continue discussions in the coming weeks, possibly in Washington. He is also expected to speak again with Putin, whose consent would be necessary for any agreement.
No deadline, but urgency remains
After greeting Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, Trump stressed he had no specific deadline for ending the war, but suggested that the current talks — led by his envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner — might be the best chance to resolve the nearly four-year conflict.
“I think we’re in the very final stages of talking… It’ll either end or it’s going to go on for a long time, and millions of additional people are going to be killed,” Trump said, reflecting his frustration with the pace of the negotiations. He acknowledged that resolving the conflict has been harder than expected, partly because he has not been able to leverage a close personal relationship with Putin.
Trump described the issues as “thorny” but noted progress over the past month. He also said a decision on whether peace is possible should become clearer in a few weeks.
Putin’s influence looms
Although Putin did not attend the Mar-a-Lago meeting, his presence was felt. Trump spoke with the Russian leader for over an hour prior to meeting Zelensky and plans to follow up with him afterward. Trump praised Putin’s management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, describing it as a “big step” that reduces immediate risks.
“He wants to see it happen. He wants to see it,” Trump said of Putin’s intentions, adding that he believed the Russian leader was serious about peace.
The final 10% of negotiations
Before the meeting, Zelensky said 90% of the peace plan had been agreed upon. The remaining issues include the fate of the nuclear plant and possible land concessions. Trump suggested it may be better to settle territorial questions now before further Russian advances.
Zelensky has expressed willingness to hold a referendum on any territorial changes, in line with Ukraine’s constitution, though he said a ceasefire would be necessary for that to happen. Russia, meanwhile, has rejected ceasefire talks, continuing missile and drone attacks ahead of Sunday’s meeting.
Trump said progress had been made on the Donbas region, describing it as “one of the big issues” that will need resolution for a deal to succeed.
Meeting in a personal setting
The Mar-a-Lago meeting, while not as formal as the Oval Office, allowed for a more personal tone. Trump praised Zelensky’s courage and that of the Ukrainian people, and Zelensky thanked Trump at both the beginning and end of the discussion — a notable contrast to earlier tension between the leaders.
Trump has previously used Mar-a-Lago to cultivate personal relationships with world leaders, including Xi Jinping and the late Shinzo Abe. Zelensky’s visit during the U.S. president’s holiday stay provided a similarly relaxed setting, with Trump joking about the estate’s elegance.
“He walked in, he said, ‘This place is gorgeous,’” Trump said. “I don’t think he wants to go to the White House anymore.”
