> At a Glance
> – President Donald Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago Sunday to push for a peace agreement.
> – Russia has escalated attacks on Kyiv, and a 20-point draft plan is about 90 % ready.
> – Canada pledges $2.5 B CAD ($1.8 B US) to rebuild Ukraine, while the U.S. offers NATO-style security guarantees.
> – Why it matters: The talks could determine Ukraine’s future borders, security, and economic recovery.
The meeting at Mar-a-Lago marks a rare face-to-face encounter between the U.S. president and Ukraine’s leader amid a war that has lasted nearly four years. Both sides aim to finalize a peace deal that would bring an end to the conflict that began with Moscow’s invasion.
Meeting at Mar-a-Lago
The discussion will focus on security and economic agreements, with Zelenskyy planning to raise territorial issues over the Donbas region. Both leaders aim to conclude a peace deal that could end the war that began with Moscow’s invasion.
- Security guarantees for Ukraine
- Economic aid and reconstruction
- Territorial disputes in the Donbas
Russia’s Escalating Attacks
In the days before the meeting, Russia intensified its attacks on Kyiv, using missiles and drones to target the capital. The strikes aim to increase pressure on Zelenskyy and his government.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X:
> “Ukraine is willing to do whatever it takes to stop this war. We need to be strong at the negotiating table.”
He added:
> “We want peace, and Russia demonstrates a desire to continue the war. If the whole world-Europe and America- is on our side, together we will stop Russian President Vladimir Putin.”
Canada’s Support
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met Zelenskyy in Halifax, where he announced an additional $2.5 B CAD ($1.8 B US) for Ukraine’s rebuilding. The funds are part of Canada’s commitment to a just and lasting peace.
- $2.5 B CAD ($1.8 B US) in economic aid
- Focus on reconstruction and post-war recovery
- Recognition of Ukraine’s need for strong international support
Draft Peace Plan Progress
Trump’s chief negotiators have traded draft peace plans, and Zelenskyy said the 20-point proposal is about 90 % ready. The U.S. has offered security guarantees similar to those for NATO members.
- Security guarantees akin to NATO
- Potential withdrawal of Ukraine’s NATO bid
- 90 % readiness of the draft plan
Zelenskyy’s Christmas Day Call
Zelenskyy spoke on Christmas Day with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He posted on X that they discussed substantive details of the ongoing work.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy added:
> “There is still work to be done on sensitive issues, and the weeks ahead may also be intensive.”
Unresolved Issues
Key unresolved issues include territorial disputes, the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, funding for post-war recovery, and technical matters related to security guarantees and monitoring mechanisms.
| Issue | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Territory | Donbas region and other contested areas | Negotiated |
| Zaporizhzhia | Nuclear plant security | Pending |
| Funding | Post-war reconstruction | Awaiting agreement |
| Technical | Security guarantees, monitoring | In discussion |
Ukraine has conveyed its position to the U.S., and Zelenskyy said Trump administration officials would relay it to Russia.
Putin’s Demands
Russian President Vladimir Putin insists on retaining all areas captured by his forces, including the Crimea peninsula, and wants Ukraine to abandon its NATO bid. He also demands a demilitarized zone in Donbas with Russian police and national guard presence.
| Demand | Detail |
|---|---|
| Territory | All captured areas, Crimea recognized as Russian |
| NATO | Ukraine must abandon NATO membership |
| Army Size | Ukraine must limit its army |
| Language | Official status for Russian language |
| Demilitarized Zone | Russian police/guard to remain in Donetsk |
Trump’s Position
Trump has shown receptiveness to Putin’s demands, arguing that Russia could be persuaded to end the war if Ukraine cedes land in Donbas and if Western powers offer economic incentives to reintegrate Russia into the global economy. He has also expressed irritation with both Zelenskyy and Putin while acknowledging the difficulty of ending the conflict.
Key Takeaways
- Trump and Zelenskyy aim to finalize a peace deal that could end the war.
- Canada’s $2.5 B CAD pledge underscores international backing for reconstruction.
- Putin’s demands for territorial gains and NATO withdrawal remain a major hurdle.
The outcome of these high-stakes talks could reshape the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe and determine the future security and prosperity of Ukraine.
Kim and Morton Report
Kim reported from Washington and Morton from London. News Of Philadelphia writers Illia Novikov in Kyiv and Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.
Kommersant Report
Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, told the business daily News Of Philadelphia this month that Russian police and national guard would stay in parts of Donetsk even if it became a demilitarized zone. He cautioned that reaching a compromise could take a long time.
