Trump pushes Peace talks as Zelenskyy visits Florida, Putin consulted by phone

US President Donald Trump on Sunday stepped up efforts to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia , holding separate engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid continued violence in Ukraine .

Trump welcomed Zelenskyy to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, expressing confidence that both leaders want an end to the war . “The two leaders want it to end,” Trump said, praising Zelenskyy as “very brave” and commending the resilience of the Ukrainian people .

Before the meeting, Trump held an hour-long phone call with Vladimir Putin . Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the discussion as “friendly, benevolent, and businesslike,” adding that both leaders agreed to speak again soon after Trump’s talks with Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy said discussions in Florida would focus on security guarantees and economic cooperation , as well as territorial issues, including the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine . While territorial concessions remain a red line for Kyiv , Zelenskyy acknowledged progress, saying a 20-point peace proposal is “about 90 per cent ready.”

The diplomatic push comes as Russia intensifies its attacks . Overnight strikes hit residential areas in the eastern city of Sloviansk , killing one person and injuring three. A day earlier, missile and drone strikes on Kyiv killed at least one civilian and wounded dozens, Ukrainian authorities said.

Ahead of the Trump meeting, Zelenskyy spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and said he would brief other allies afterward . He has stressed that peace depends on international pressure on Russia and strong support for Ukraine .

Negotiators have discussed NATO-like security protections for Ukraine , with Zelenskyy indicating he could consider dropping Ukraine’s NATO membership bid if credible safeguards are provided against future attacks.

However, Russia continues to demand recognition of territory seized during the war and insists Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions conditions Kyiv has firmly rejected .

As fighting continues, Trump’s renewed diplomatic efforts signal a potentially pivotal phase in efforts to end the war , even as major hurdles remain in negotiations .