Trump, Zelensky Report ‘Major Progress’ Toward Peace Deal in MAL Summit

President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday at Mar-a-Lago in what both sides described as the most consequential diplomatic engagement to date aimed at ending Russia’s nearly four-year war in Ukraine. The talks, which stretched more than two hours, produced broad agreement on a proposed 20-point peace framework, though several high-stakes issues—most notably territorial disputes—remain unresolved.

“Our meeting was excellent,” Trump told reporters following the session. “We covered — somebody would say 95 percent, I don’t know what percent — but we have made a lot of progress on ending that war. We’ll see if it gets done, but it’s very close.”

Zelensky echoed that assessment, confirming that negotiators aligned on “about 90 percent” of his proposed framework. The high-level meeting included senior officials from both governments, underscoring the seriousness of the effort: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and special envoy Steve Witkoff represented the United States, while Ukraine was represented by National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna.

The emerging plan builds on a Trump administration proposal circulated last month and reflects the president’s push for a negotiated settlement that prioritizes stability and realism over endless escalation. Zelensky’s 20-point outline includes security guarantees backed by the United States and European allies, a long-term pathway for Ukraine’s integration into the European Union, and a cessation of hostilities along current battle lines.

Under the framework, fighting would halt in Donetsk, with both sides withdrawing to establish demilitarized zones. Similar arrangements would apply in Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, while Russian forces would pull back from several central and northern regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv.

The proposal also envisions a massive postwar reconstruction effort, calling for a multilateral aid package estimated at roughly $800 billion to rebuild Ukraine’s economy and infrastructure once the guns fall silent. Zelensky said the American delegation agreed “100 percent” on security guarantees and noted that the prosperity and reconstruction plan is “being finalized.”

Still, President Trump made clear that territorial questions remain the central obstacle to a final agreement. When asked which issue posed the greatest challenge, Trump did not mince words.

“I think the land — you’re talking about — some of that land has been taken. Some of that land is maybe up for grabs, but it may be taken over the next period of months. You’re better off making a deal now.”

Zelensky reaffirmed Kyiv’s long-standing position in response, stating, “We respect the territory which we control,” and reiterating Ukraine’s refusal to recognize Russia’s annexations.

Both leaders announced plans to continue negotiations in early January, likely in Washington, with European leaders expected to join the talks. “We agreed with President Trump that he will host us — maybe in Washington — with European leaders and our Ukrainian delegation,” Zelensky said.

Trump signaled confidence that a final agreement is within reach, characterizing the negotiations as complex but promising. While calling the process “not a one-day issue,” he said “the makings of a deal” are now firmly in place. He also left open the possibility of traveling to Kyiv should peace terms be finalized. “I’d have no problem with doing it,” he said. “I’ve offered to go and speak to their parliament if that would help.”

Zelensky welcomed the gesture and later posted on X: “I thank President Trump and his team for the negotiations. Together, we must — and can — implement our vision for peace.”

The meeting also featured a lighter moment during a joint appearance with reporters, when Trump joked about media skepticism. “Would you like food? Or do you consider that a bribe? And therefore you can’t write honestly? Or write a bad story?” he quipped, drawing laughter. Turning to staff, he added, “Margo, tell the chef, serve them lunch. That’s a guaranteed good story — but it won’t be. They’ll only get worse!”

Sunday’s meeting marked the first face-to-face discussion between Trump and Zelensky since 2020, following years of strained relations during the Biden administration. This time, both leaders projected unity, momentum, and a shared belief that—with strong American leadership—the end of the war may finally be within reach.