Trump to Host Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago for High-Stakes Ukraine Peace Talks
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — U.S. President Donald Trump is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to his Mar-a-Lago resort this weekend as both leaders aim to advance negotiations to end the nearly four-year Ukraine-Russia war, officials confirmed this week. The meeting comes amid ongoing Russian military pressure and growing diplomatic urgency to finalize a peace agreement before the end of the year.
Zelenskyy, who traveled through Canada ahead of his Florida visit to secure additional Western support, said the talks will center on security guarantees, territorial disputes and economic reconstruction — key issues that have stalled progress in previous negotiation rounds.
The Ukrainian delegation is expected to present an updated 20-point peace framework, which Zelenskyy says is about 90% complete, aiming to bring a lasting cessation of hostilities with Moscow. This draft plan includes provisions for security guarantees similar to those NATO allies enjoy, a partial ceasefire and economic aid packages to help rebuild war-torn regions.
President Trump has framed this meeting as a critical opportunity to push the peace process forward, underscoring his belief that a diplomatic resolution is possible despite resistance from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump told reporters he sees a “good chance” of advancing a deal, though he has acknowledged that major disagreements remain — particularly on territorial issues such as control over Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region and the strategically important Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant area.
Russian forces have continued to intensify missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, particularly in Kyiv and eastern regions, in the days leading up to the meeting, raising concerns that Moscow may be trying to gain leverage before any potential diplomatic breakthrough. Ukrainian officials and Western allies, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney — who met with Zelenskyy before the Florida talks — have condemned this escalation and reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Despite deep differences over territorial control and national security guarantees, both leaders say they intend to use the Mar-a-Lago discussions to refine their positions and explore pathways to peace. Analysts say that even if a final deal remains elusive, high-level engagement between Trump and Zelenskyy represents a significant diplomatic moment that could influence negotiations in early 2026.
