President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, in a high-profile meeting widely seen as a major step toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting, held on December 28, 2025, comes as diplomatic momentum accelerates following months of stalled negotiations under the Biden-era foreign policy framework.

Video from the event shows President Trump greeting President Zelensky with a firm handshake before the two leaders entered private discussions. Speaking to reporters, President Trump emphasized the human cost of the ongoing conflict, stating, “Too many people are dying. I think both presidents want to make a deal.”

The meeting follows what President Trump described earlier in the day as a “very productive” call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring Trump’s direct, results-driven approach to diplomacy. Sources familiar with the discussions say negotiations aimed at halting hostilities have been quietly active since Christmas, with Trump personally pressuring both sides to move toward compromise.

Supporters of the Trump administration view the Mar-a-Lago meeting as a clear signal that American leadership has returned to the global stage, prioritizing peace through strength and decisive engagement rather than prolonged proxy conflict. The talks mark a stark shift in tone, focusing on ending bloodshed rather than extending war.

While no formal agreement has yet been announced, the meeting represents one of the most significant diplomatic developments in the conflict to date. Observers note that Trump’s willingness to engage directly with both Kyiv and Moscow may prove pivotal in bringing the war closer to an end.