President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday that he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his scheduled meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, framing the calls and talks as part of an effort to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
In his post, published about an hour before the 1 p.m. meeting, Trump described the conversation with Putin as “good” and “very productive,” and said members of the press would be invited to the sit-down with Zelensky at his Florida residence.
Why It Matters
Trump repeatedly argued during the 2024 campaign that he could bring the conflict to a quick end, and he spoke with both Putin and Zelensky shortly after winning the election. In the months since, negotiations have continued with shifting expectations over what a deal might require—particularly on security guarantees, the status of occupied territory, and whether Moscow is willing to make meaningful concessions.
Trump has also publicly clashed with Zelensky and, at times, voiced skepticism that Putin is genuinely interested in peace, fueling debate over what leverage the U.S. has—and will use—in any final agreement.
What To Know
Sunday’s meeting comes after several days of upbeat signals from Zelensky about progress through U.S. mediation. Zelensky has pointed to “new ideas” being discussed and suggested a deal could eventually be put to a vote in Ukraine, though he has also cautioned that key elements remain unresolved.
Trump’s call with Putin ahead of the meeting follows a pattern: he has spoken with the Russian leader around the time of prior meetings with Zelensky, aiming to understand both leaders’ positions as discussions move forward.
Zelensky said Friday the Mar-a-Lago meeting is expected to focus on security guarantees for Ukraine as negotiations shift to a new 20-point framework that would replace an earlier 28-point plan floated last month. He added that it is still unclear whether “anything will be finalized by the end.”
Other issues expected to be central include an “economic guarantee” and disputes over territory—especially the Donbas region. Russia has insisted the Donbas must remain under its control, while Ukraine has rejected that claim. As of Sunday, Russia controls most of Luhansk and around 70 percent of Donetsk, the two regions that make up the Donbas.
Zelensky also acknowledged last week that Kyiv could consider pulling troops back from parts of the far east to help establish a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces, though Russia has not agreed to any reciprocal withdrawal.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday: “I just had a good and very productive telephone call with President Putin of Russia prior to my meeting, at 1:00 P.M. today, with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The meeting will take place in the main dining room of Mar-a-Lago. Press is invited. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X on Sunday, in part: “These are some of the most active diplomatic days of the year right now, and a lot can be decided before the New Year. We are doing everything toward this, but whether decisions will be made depends on our partners – those who help Ukraine, and those who put pressure on Russia so that Russians feel the consequences of their own aggression.”
