Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a symbolic shift on Sunday, leaving the war-weary winter atmosphere of Kyiv to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, the president’s private estate in Florida. The Ukrainian leader sought backing for an updated 20-point peace proposal aimed at halting the long conflict with Russia.
After more than three hours of discussions, neither side announced a decisive agreement. Both presidents acknowledged that negotiations remain complex and require additional time. Earlier that day, Trump also held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reinforcing Moscow’s continued influence on the diplomatic narrative.
Even so, the tone of the Florida meeting marked a noticeable difference from prior encounters, with Trump publicly commending Zelensky’s resilience and expressing renewed confidence in the peace process.
“We’re much nearer to peace than before, possibly very near,” Trump said after the talks.
Negotiations Continue, No Deadline Set
Despite earlier campaign statements promising rapid conflict resolution, Trump clarified on Sunday that he has no fixed timeline for ending the war. He suggested that current diplomacy, led by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and supported by senior White House advisers, may represent the most viable opportunity yet to conclude the nearly four-year conflict.
Trump described the process as layered and uncertain, noting that while progress has been made, a final peace agreement is not guaranteed.
“It may happen, it may not. We’ll have clearer answers in the coming weeks,” he said.
Russia’s Position Still a Core Factor
Putin did not attend the summit in person, but his perspective was present through Trump’s earlier phone call. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility emerged again as a central issue, with Trump crediting Putin for avoiding attacks on the site and describing ongoing coordination between Ukraine and Russia to reopen access around the area.
Trump said he remains convinced that Putin is serious about pursuing peace.
“He said he wants peace, and I believe him,” Trump added.
The Remaining 10%: The Hardest Part
Zelensky stated that 90% of peace terms have already been aligned, but avoided framing the final phase in numeric terms after Trump said he dislikes percentage-based descriptions. The unresolved issues include territorial negotiations and future security guarantees.
Zelensky also reiterated willingness to put a future peace agreement to a national referendum, but only if a ceasefire is in place. Russia, however, has continued attacks ahead of talks and has not agreed to pause operations, according to both Ukrainian and regional sources.
Trump suggested that negotiating territory now may prevent further escalation.
Softer Setting, Warmer Tone
Their first meeting earlier this year was widely described as tense, but the Florida talks did not show signs of deterioration. Trump praised Zelensky’s leadership, calling him “courageous” and acknowledging the endurance of the Ukrainian people.
Zelensky opened and closed his remarks with gratitude toward the United States’ mediation role, a change that follows earlier US criticism over diplomatic tone.
The meeting’s venue also shaped the atmosphere. Since Trump is spending the holiday period in Florida, the estate offered a less formal environment compared to the White House. Trump even joked that Zelensky seemed impressed by the setting.
“He said the place is beautiful. Maybe he won’t want the White House after this,” Trump said with a laugh.