At a Glance
- Donald Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to push a peace deal.
- Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks on Kyiv just before the meeting.
- The talks aim to settle security guarantees, economic aid, and territorial disputes, especially over the Donbas.
- Why it matters: The outcome could reshape the conflict’s future and the balance of power in Eastern Europe.
President Trump, spending his holidays at Mar-a-Lago, is set to meet Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy this Sunday. The meeting follows a surge in Russian attacks on Kyiv and aims to finalize a peace framework that would end the nearly four-year war sparked by Moscow’s invasion.
Meeting at Mar-a-Lago
The two leaders will discuss security and economic agreements, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the need to address territorial issues in the Donbas. Trump has promised to relay Ukraine’s positions to Russia and has been pushing for a negotiated settlement.
- Security guarantees similar to NATO
- $2.5 B Canadian aid pledged
- Donbas territorial status
- Ukraine’s potential NATO membership withdrawal
International Support and Aid
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an additional $2.5 B in aid to help Ukraine rebuild, citing the need for pressure on Russia and strong support.
| Country | Aid (USD) | Aid (C$) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $1.8 B | $2.5 B |
Key Issues and Proposals
Zelenskyy said the 20-point draft proposal is about 90 % ready and that Ukraine would drop its NATO bid if it received NATO-style protection. The U.S. has offered security guarantees similar to those for NATO members.
- Unresolved territory disputes
- Status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
- Postwar funding needs
- Technical security guarantees and monitoring
Statements from Leaders
President Trump stated:
> We are working to end the war and have demanded that both Russia and Ukraine halt fighting and stop at the battle line.
President Zelenskyy said on X:
> Ukraine is willing to do whatever it takes to stop this war. We need to be strong at the negotiating table.
Prime Minister Carney said:
> The $2.5 B in aid will help Ukraine rebuild and pressure Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said:
> The Kremlin has already been in contact with the U.S. and agreed to continue the dialogue.
Foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said:
> Russian police and national guard will remain in parts of Donetsk even if it becomes a demilitarized zone.
Remaining Challenges
Zelenskyy highlighted unresolved territorial disputes, the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, postwar funding, and technical security guarantees. He also offered troop withdrawal from eastern Ukraine if Russia pulls back and a demilitarized zone is monitored internationally.
Trump’s Position on Putin’s Demands
Trump has shown some receptiveness to Putin’s demands, suggesting that Russia could be persuaded to end the war if Kyiv cedes Donbas land and Western powers provide economic incentives.
Key Takeaways
- The Mar-a-Lago talks could decide the war’s outcome and Eastern Europe’s future.
- Security guarantees and economic aid are central to the deal.
- Territorial issues, especially the Donbas, remain the biggest hurdle.
Ethan R. Coleman reported from Washington and Ethan R. Coleman from London. News Of Los Angeles writers in Kyiv and Toronto contributed to this report.
With the war’s outcome still uncertain, the Mar-a-Lago talks represent a critical juncture that could determine the region’s future stability.
