The spectre of Vladimir Putin loomed large over crucial peace negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his US counterpart Donald Trump, held at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Sunday 28 December 2025.
Mar-a-Lago Handshake Amid Pre-Talks Putin Call
As the two leaders shook hands on the steps of the Florida residence, President Trump told assembled reporters, “We’ll get it done,” expressing optimism that they were in the “final stages of talking.” The meeting was aimed at advancing a proposed 20-point peace plan, with security and economic agreements high on the agenda.
However, the Russian leader's influence was palpable from the outset. Mr Trump revealed he had held a “very productive” telephone call with President Putin ahead of the crunch meeting with Mr Zelensky, a conversation Moscow stated was at the US leader’s request. President Trump later confirmed he would speak to Mr Putin again after the talks, describing both Russia and Ukraine as “willing countries.”
Kremlin Pressure and Territorial Stalemate
Prior to the Florida summit, President Zelensky had made clear that “territorial issues” surrounding the eastern Donbas region remained a critical and unresolved point of division with Moscow. This stance was immediately challenged by the Kremlin following the Trump-Putin call.
Kremlin spokesperson Yury Ushakov stated the two leaders shared a “broadly similar view” that any temporary ceasefire would only prolong the conflict. He urged Ukraine to make a decision on Donbas “without delay.” Further raising tensions, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that any European troop contingents sent to Ukraine would become legitimate targets for Russian forces.
The diplomatic manoeuvring was backed by a stark demonstration of force. On Saturday, just one day before the talks, Russia launched a massive barrage of almost 500 drones and 40 missiles on Kyiv. The attack killed two people, hospitalised dozens—including two children—and caused large-scale power cuts, leaving citizens without heating in sub-zero temperatures.
The Path to a "Just and Lasting Peace"
Speaking in Canada after the air strike, President Zelensky asserted that the key to peace was “pressure on Russia and sufficient, strong support for Ukraine.” He later posted on X that Ukraine was willing to do whatever it takes to stop the war but needed to be “strong at the negotiating table.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who announced further economic assistance for Ukraine, denounced Russia’s “barbarism.” He credited both Mr Zelensky and Mr Trump with creating conditions for a potential “just and lasting peace” at this pivotal moment.
Yet, significant hurdles remain. President Trump told Politico on Friday that Mr Zelensky “doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” underscoring his central role in regulating negotiations. With the US president pledging to speak with Putin “as much as I want,” the path to a sustainable deal continues to weave through Moscow as much as through Mar-a-Lago.
