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Sunday 22/02/2026

Trump and Zelenskyy Meet in Florida: Optimism Amid Ongoing Conflict

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy meeting at Mar-a-Lago
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Florida to discuss a peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both leaders expressing optimism.
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum in the Ukraine peace talks, highlighting international support.
  • Despite the talks, Russian attacks on Kyiv continued, underscoring the ongoing challenges in achieving a ceasefire.
  • Zelenskyy reported "significant results" from the meeting, although no major breakthroughs were announced.
  • Further discussions are planned, with Trump set to host Ukrainian and European leaders in Washington in January.

In a significant diplomatic effort, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, to discuss a potential peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meeting, which took place amid continued Russian attacks on Kyiv, was marked by cautious optimism from both leaders.

Diplomatic Efforts and International Support

The talks were part of a broader international effort to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who spoke with Trump and Zelenskyy earlier, stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the peace process. "The discussion focused on ongoing efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," a Downing Street spokesperson stated, highlighting the role of robust security guarantees.

Progress Amidst Challenges

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the "wonderful meeting" and noted "significant results" were achieved. However, despite the positive rhetoric, the summit did not yield any major breakthroughs. Trump acknowledged "good progress" but admitted that the talks had not moved the dial significantly on key issues. Both leaders agreed that their teams would continue discussions, with a follow-up meeting in Washington planned for January.

Continued Conflict and Future Plans

While the diplomatic efforts were underway, Russian forces continued their assault on Kyiv, highlighting the persistent challenges in achieving a ceasefire. Zelenskyy reiterated the importance of security guarantees as a cornerstone for lasting peace. The Ukrainian and American teams are set to meet again next week to finalize discussions, with Trump agreeing to host further talks involving European leaders.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The recent meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy represents a critical step in the ongoing efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, the lack of a concrete breakthrough suggests that significant challenges remain. The continued Russian aggression underscores the complexity of achieving a ceasefire and the necessity of robust security guarantees. As discussions progress, the involvement of European leaders in future talks could provide additional diplomatic leverage. Experts suggest that sustained international pressure and coordinated efforts will be crucial in moving towards a resolution. The upcoming meeting in Washington may serve as a pivotal moment in the peace process, potentially setting the stage for more comprehensive agreements.