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A new round of Peace Talks focused on Ukraine could mark a pivotal moment in the nearly four-year war, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump are set to meet on Dec. 28, according to Zelenskyy.

The planned meeting, reportedly scheduled to take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, comes amid intensified diplomatic activity, shifting battlefield dynamics in eastern Ukraine, and mounting questions over whether Russia is willing to compromise at all.

Although the White House did not immediately confirm the meeting when contacted by USA TODAY, Zelenskyy described the sit-down as being “specifically for the purpose of finalizing everything as much as we can,” adding on social media   that “a lot can be decided before the New Year.”

Peace Talks Gain Momentum Ahead of Zelenskyy–Trump Meeting

The anticipated Mar-a-Lago meeting follows a flurry of diplomatic discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. officials centered on a new 20-point peace framework unveiled by Zelenskyy on Dec. 24. 

According to reporting by USA TODAY and Ukrainian outlets, the proposal was developed in close consultation with Washington and revises key elements of an earlier U.S.-drafted plan that had drawn criticism in Kyiv for being overly favorable to Moscow.

One of the most controversial provisions in the earlier draft—shrinking Ukraine’s military—has reportedly been modified or removed. The updated framework is intended to serve as a basis for renewed Peace Talks, though significant obstacles remain before it can be formally presented to Russia.

More details on U.S. involvement in the process can be found at USA TODAY:
https://www.usatoday.com

Territorial Disputes Remain a Core Obstacle

Territory continues to be the most contentious issue in negotiations over Ukraine. Russia is demanding full control over areas in eastern Ukraine that are currently held by Kyiv’s forces. 

Zelenskyy has indicated a willingness to consider a demilitarized zone in parts of the region. This idea was previously floated by the U.S. 

 Ukraine’s official position favors ending the conflict along current battle lines, where its military has established layered defenses.

Another sensitive issue is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, which is currently under Russian control. Both Moscow and Kyiv have expressed interest in jointly operating the facility with U.S. involvement, but each side insists on excluding the other. The U.S. has previously signaled interest in leading a joint nuclear management arrangement at the site.

Putin Signals Little Flexibility on Peace Talks

Despite renewed diplomatic energy, Russia appears unlikely to accept any peace terms beyond its own. During his annual marathon press conference on Dec. 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated long-standing demands, chief among them complete control over four disputed regions in Ukraine.