“95% Done”: Trump and Zelenskyy Hail Progress Toward Peace After Mar-a-Lago Summit
By Lions Roar News Diplomatic Desk
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA (December 29, 2025) – In a moment of high-stakes diplomacy that has captured the world’s attention, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met on Sunday at the Mar-a-Lago estate for a pivotal two-hour discussion aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. Following the talks, President Trump struck a remarkably optimistic tone, declaring that a peace deal is now “closer than ever.”
Standing alongside the Ukrainian leader, Trump told reporters that a draft agreement is nearly 95% complete, adding that he believes both President Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin are genuinely serious about ending the bloodshed.
🤝 A “Terrific” Meeting Amidst Heavy Strikes
The summit took place against a backdrop of intensified Russian military activity, with hundreds of drones and missiles targeting Kyiv just hours before the meeting. Despite the ongoing violence, the atmosphere in Florida was described as businesslike and productive.
Key Takeaways from the Talks:
- Draft Agreement: Both leaders discussed a 20-point peace plan. Zelenskyy noted that negotiators have achieved 90% agreement on the draft in recent weeks.
- Security Guarantees: Zelenskyy claimed a 100% agreement on US-Ukraine security guarantees, though Trump was slightly more cautious, suggesting European nations must “take over a big part” of the long-term enforcement with US backing.
- The “Thorny” Donbas Issue: The most significant sticking point remains the future of the eastern Donbas region. While Trump described the territorial dispute as “tough,” he expressed confidence it could be resolved.
- Putin’s Involvement: Trump held a lengthy, two-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin prior to meeting Zelenskyy, describing the Russian leader as “very serious” about ending the war.
“I really think we are closer than ever with both sides,” President Trump said. “The two leaders want it to end. I think we can move pretty rapidly. Otherwise, it’s going to go on for a very long time.”
🗺️ The Path to Peace: 2026 and Beyond
The proposed framework reportedly involves complex compromises, including the potential for shared control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the creation of a “free economic zone” in contested areas if Ukrainian forces withdraw.
President Zelenskyy has suggested that if a 60-to-90-day ceasefire is established, the entire peace plan could be put to a national referendum in Ukraine to let the people decide their future.
What’s Next?
- Continued Negotiations: Teams from the US and Ukraine will meet again next week to finalize the remaining 5% of the deal.
- Washington Summit: Trump has agreed to host a broader summit in Washington this January, inviting European leaders to solidify the international security framework.
- Address to Parliament: Trump offered to travel to Kyiv to address the Ukrainian parliament directly, signaling his personal commitment to the process
