Trump‑Zelenskyy Florida Meeting Signals Diplomatic Momentum On December 28 2025 President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Palm Beach resort for a lunch that he described as “excellent” and a sign that peace talks are closer than ever [1][2][3]. The meeting followed a two‑and‑a‑half‑hour phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov called “friendly, benevolent and businesslike” [1][3]. Both leaders emphasized the need to keep diplomatic channels open despite Russia’s fresh missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities [2][4].

Draft 20‑Point Plan Near Completion, 90% Agreed Zelenskyy told reporters the U.S.–Ukrainian 20‑point draft is about 90 % finalized, echoing U.S. officials who said the same after earlier Berlin talks [1][2]. He added that security guarantees comparable to NATO protection have reached 100 % agreement, and he is willing to drop Ukraine’s NATO membership bid if such guarantees are secured [1][3]. The framework envisions freezing combat along the current Donbas frontlines and creating a demilitarized zone, though any territorial concessions would require a Ukrainian referendum [2][4].

Donbas Future Remains Core Obstacle for Settlement All outlets note that the fate of the Donbas region is the most contentious issue, with Kyiv demanding strong security assurances while Moscow insists on Ukrainian withdrawal from the area [1][3][4]. Trump and Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficulty of reconciling these positions and highlighted the need for bold decisions from Kyiv to achieve a full ceasefire [1][3]. The Kremlin, through Ushakov, warned that a temporary ceasefire would merely prolong the conflict and reiterated its demand for control over four occupied regions and Crimea [2][4].

Russia Continues Attacks While Kremlin Rejects Ceasefire Despite diplomatic activity, Russia launched a major drone‑and‑missile assault on Kyiv that knocked out power and heating for hundreds of thousands amid freezing temperatures [2]. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing dialogue with U.S. envoys but rejected any ceasefire, arguing that it would extend the war [4]. Ukrainian forces reported continued fighting in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Uman, and a successful strike on a Russian refinery in the Rostov region using Storm Shadow missiles [4].

January Follow‑Up Talks Planned With European Leaders Trump announced that a follow‑up meeting with European leaders could take place in January, possibly at the White House or another venue, to build on the Florida discussions [3][2]. Zelenskyy expressed willingness to return to the United States for further talks and emphasized the importance of European participation in the next round [1][2]. The planned summit aims to solidify the draft peace framework and address remaining security‑guarantee details before any formal agreement [3].