Following a high-stakes meeting at Mar-a-Lago on December 28, 2025, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported significant breakthroughs in negotiations to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump characterized the two nations as being “a lot closer” to a definitive peace deal than previously anticipated.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Progress on the “20-Point Plan”
The discussions centered on a comprehensive draft agreement that both leaders suggest is nearly finalized:
- Completion Status: Trump estimated the deal is 95% complete, while Zelenskyy noted that negotiators have reached a consensus on roughly 90% of the proposed 20-point framework.
- Economic Strategy: The plan includes provisions for “Free Economic Zones” and a US-backed reconstruction framework designed to jumpstart Ukraine’s post-war economy.
- Nuclear Safety: There is reported movement toward shared oversight of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to ensure regional stability.
The Remaining Hurdles
Despite the optimism, a few “thorny” issues remain that could still derail the process:
- The Donbas Region: Defining the permanent status of the Donbas remains the primary sticking point. Zelenskyy indicated that any territorial concessions would likely be subject to a national referendum in Ukraine.
- Security Guarantees: While Zelenskyy claims full agreement with the US on security measures, Trump has emphasized that European allies must take the primary responsibility for long-term enforcement and funding.
- Russian Cooperation: The summit occurred shortly after a phone call between Trump and Vladimir Putin. While Trump expressed confidence in Putin’s willingness to negotiate, Russia simultaneously continued aerial strikes on Kyiv, highlighting the fragility of the peace process.
