President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday to discuss a plan to end the yearslong war with Russia.
“I do believe that we have the makings of a deal that’s good for Ukraine, good for everybody,” Trump told reporters as he welcomed the Ukrainian leader.
“And I’m also calling [Russian President Vladimir] Putin back after the meeting,” he added. He spoke to Putin by phone earlier Sunday.
Trump praised the 20-point plan, stating there is “a great economic benefit” to Ukraine.
He also said both Zelenskyy and Putin are willing to end the war.
Ahead of the meeting, Zelenskyy told reporters that the meeting will focus on the future of eastern Ukraine’s contested Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
“We are doing everything toward this, but whether decisions will be made depends on our partners—those who help Ukraine, and those who put pressure on Russia so that Russians feel the consequences of their own aggression.”
Zelenskyy said he will also discuss forms of security, including air defense missiles, in his meeting with Trump.
Prior to the meeting, Trump mentioned the phone call with Putin.
“The meeting will take place in the main dining room of Mar-a-Lago. Press is invited. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Trump campaigned on ending the war in Ukraine, which started in February 2022, and his administration’s efforts have inched closer in recent weeks.
America’s initial 28-point peace plan, which was condensed into 20 points last week, has a heavy focus on Ukraine receiving security guarantees, becoming an EU member, and receiving a global development package and funding for economic recovery.
Key territorial questions in the peace plan are still being negotiated, such as what will become of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.
“There are some new ideas on how to bring the real peace closer, and it concerns formats, meetings, and, certainly, the timeline.”
Witkoff said the United States and Russia have had “productive and constructive meetings” to advance the peace plan.
“Russia highly values the efforts and support of the United States to resolve the Ukrainian conflict and re-establish global security.”
When asked about recent attacks, Trump reiterated that Putin is “very serious” about ending the war.
“I believe Ukraine has made some very strong attacks also,” Trump said. “They’re fighting a war, and we'll see what happens.”
Trump also stated that the parties are in the “final stages” of negotiations.
He warned that if talks fail this time, the conflict could continue “for a long time.”
In mid-December, U.S. negotiators special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump adviser Jared Kushner spent several days in Europe meeting with Zelenskyy, his delegation, and several European leaders.
“What’s on the table is really the platinum standard for what can be offered,” a U.S. official said during a call with reporters. “It would have to go before the Senate, and President Trump is willing to do that.”
The plan also required Ukraine to amend its constitution to commit to not joining NATO and for the alliance to adopt a statute barring Ukraine from future membership.
Moscow has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine give up the whole Donbas region.
Kiev has recently proposed withdrawing its troops from the Donetsk region that it still partially controls. The plan includes establishing a free economic demilitarized zone, contingent on Russia withdrawing from an equivalent area. Russia has so far rejected this proposal.
