What's happened
On December 28-29, 2025, US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago, reporting significant progress toward a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine. Key issues remain unresolved, including territorial control of Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Security guarantees for Ukraine are nearly finalized, with discussions ongoing about their duration and enforcement.
What's behind the headline?
Progress Amid Deep Divisions
The recent talks between Trump and Zelenskyy mark the most substantive diplomatic engagement in months, signaling a potential thaw in a conflict that has devastated Ukraine and destabilized global security. However, the core territorial disputes—especially over Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant—remain major obstacles. Russia’s insistence on full control of Donbas clashes with Ukraine’s demand to maintain current front lines, making compromise difficult.
Security Guarantees as a Peace Pillar
Security guarantees are central to Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate, with Zelenskyy seeking commitments extending up to 50 years to deter future Russian aggression. The US and European allies are expected to share responsibility for these guarantees, but Russia’s rejection of foreign troop deployments complicates enforcement.
The Role of Trump and Putin
Trump’s active mediation, including his calls with Putin before and after meeting Zelenskyy, reflects a strategic US effort to broker peace while balancing relations with Russia. Putin’s mixed signals—expressing willingness to negotiate but continuing military offensives—underscore the fragility of the process.
European Involvement and Future Steps
European leaders are engaged remotely and plan to meet in Paris in January to finalize contributions to security guarantees. The prospect of a ceasefire and referendum on territorial concessions remains contentious, with Russia opposing such measures.
Outlook
While the talks have advanced security discussions, the unresolved territorial issues and ongoing Russian military actions suggest that a final peace deal is unlikely imminently. The next phase will test whether diplomatic momentum can overcome entrenched positions and whether international actors can enforce any agreement reached.
What the papers say
The New Arab highlights the persistent territorial deadlock, quoting Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating Ukraine must withdraw from Donbas and warning of further territorial losses if Kyiv resists. It also notes Russia's rejection of a ceasefire and skepticism among Ukrainians about lasting peace. Sky News and The Mirror emphasize the progress on security guarantees, with Zelenskyy advocating for up to 50-year US commitments and Trump suggesting European allies will share the burden. The Times of Israel and Al Jazeera report on the joint press conference where both leaders acknowledged unresolved "thorny issues," particularly Donbas, but expressed cautious optimism. The New York Times underscores Zelenskyy's priority to keep talks on track despite setbacks and Trump's avoidance of hard deadlines, signaling a more aligned US-Ukraine stance. The Independent provides context on the diplomatic buildup, including Putin's influence and Russia's ongoing attacks, while SBS details the timing of the talks amid intensified Russian strikes on Kyiv. These sources collectively portray a complex negotiation landscape with progress on security but deep divisions on territory, underscored by ongoing conflict and geopolitical maneuvering.
How we got here
The conflict began in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatists in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region. Since February 2022, Russia's full-scale invasion escalated the war. Multiple rounds of negotiations have sought a peace deal, with the US playing a central role. Zelenskyy and Trump’s December 2025 talks focus on a 20-point peace plan addressing security guarantees and territorial disputes.
Go deeper
- What are the main sticking points in the Ukraine peace negotiations?
- How will security guarantees for Ukraine be enforced?
- What role are European countries playing in the peace process?
Common question
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Are Ukraine Peace Talks Making Real Progress?
With ongoing negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and international leaders, many are wondering if peace is truly within reach. Recent reports suggest some progress on security guarantees and territorial disputes, but key issues remain. Curious about the current state of these talks and what might happen next? Below, we answer the most common questions about Ukraine's peace negotiations and what they could mean for the future.
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Why Is the US Selling Arms to Taiwan Now?
The recent US arms sale to Taiwan has sparked significant international attention. Many wonder why the US is increasing its military support for Taiwan at this moment and what implications this move has for global stability. Below, we explore the reasons behind this decision, China's response, and what it means for future US-China relations.
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Are Ukraine and Russia Close to a Peace Deal?
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has prompted intense diplomatic efforts to reach a peace agreement. While some progress has been reported, many questions remain about how close the two sides are to ending the war. In this page, we'll explore the current state of negotiations, the main obstacles, and what international support means for the future of peace talks.
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How Could US-China Tensions Over Taiwan Impact the World?
Recent developments in US-China relations over Taiwan have raised concerns about global stability, trade, and security. With China imposing sanctions on US firms and the US supporting Taiwan with significant arms sales, many are wondering what the future holds. How might these tensions influence international trade, military conflicts, and global alliances? Below, we explore the key questions and what they mean for everyday people and businesses worldwide.
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What’s Next for Ukraine and Russia Peace Efforts?
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has prompted intense diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution. Recent negotiations have shown some progress, but many questions remain about whether peace talks will succeed, what obstacles stand in the way, and how international diplomacy is shaping the future of the region. Below, we explore the key issues and what might influence the next steps in this complex peace process.
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Will Ukraine and Russia Reach a Peace Deal Soon?
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to intense negotiations and cautious optimism among world leaders. Recent talks suggest progress, but many questions remain about whether a peace deal is imminent. In this page, we explore the latest developments, the main sticking points, and what a potential peace agreement could mean for global security. Keep reading to find answers to your most pressing questions about Ukraine peace talks.
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Could the Ukraine peace deal change US foreign policy?
The recent progress toward a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia has sparked questions about its broader implications. Will this agreement influence how the US approaches foreign policy in the future? What role will the US play moving forward? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this developing story and what it could mean for global diplomacy.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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Mar-a-Lago ( MAR ə LAH-goh, Spanish: [ˈmaɾ a ˈlaɣo]) is a resort and National Historic Landmark on a barrier island in Palm Beach, Florida, United States. It spans 126 rooms and 62,500 square feet (5,810 square meters) built on 17 acres (7 hectares)
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The Moscow Kremlin, commonly known as just the Kremlin, is a fortified complex in Moscow, Russia. Located in the centre of the country's capital city, the Moscow Kremlin comprises five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall along with...
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Dmitry Sergeyevich Peskov is a Russian diplomat, translator and Turkologist. Since 2012, Peskov has been the Press Secretary for the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.