From the Liveblog of
Monday, December 29, 2025
Trump says Ukraine deal closer but no talks breakthrough
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US President Donald Trump says a deal is closer than ever to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but reports no apparent breakthrough on the flashpoint issue of territory after new talks with the warring countries’ leaders.
Trump says it will become clear within weeks whether it is possible to end the war that has killed tens of thousands of people since February 2022.
In a pre-New Year’s diplomatic sprint, Trump brought Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Florida, where the two met with top aides over lunch, a day after Russia unleashed major new attacks on residential areas of the capital Kyiv.
Much like when Zelensky last met Trump in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin also spoke shortly beforehand by telephone with the US leader, who insists that Moscow was “serious” about peace despite the assault.
“I really believe we’re, Mr. President, probably closer than — far closer than — ever before with both parties,” Trump says with Zelensky at his side in the tea room of his Mar-a-Lago estate.
“Everybody wants it ended,” Trump says.
After their talks, Zelensky and Trump spoke jointly by telephone with key European leaders, who have been particularly alarmed about any decisions that would embolden Russia.
The Times of Israel Community.