What we know about the Florida talks
Trump and Zelensky held a two-and-a-half-hour meeting and both described the talks as positive.
Despite upbeat language, no clear breakthrough or concrete progress towards peace was announced.
A key unresolved issue is whether Ukraine will have to give up territory, a demand pushed by Russia.
Security guarantees for Ukraine are still unclear, despite claims that they are agreed in principle.
There is no sign that Russia will accept proposals discussed by the US and Ukraine.
Trump continues to speak positively about Vladimir Putin, suggesting pressure remains focused on Kyiv.
Maroosha Muzaffar29 December 2025 08:00
Trump warns of ‘thorny issues’ after crunch peace deal talks with ZelenskyTrump warns of ‘thorny issues’ after crunch peace deal talks with Zelensky
Maroosha Muzaffar29 December 2025 07:15
Trump planning another call with Putin
Donald Trump is planning to have another call with Putin, whose adviser said Kyiv must make “bold” political decisions on contested territory for a full ceasefire.
While Trump said progress is being made, he warned that unresolved issues could derail talks within weeks.
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for peace but stressed that sensitive issues remain.
(Getty Images)
“Ukraine is ready for peace,” he said.
Russia, meanwhile, insists on keeping occupied Ukrainian territory, blocking Nato membership for Kyiv, limiting Ukraine’s military, and securing other political concessions – demands Ukraine has rejected.
Maroosha Muzaffar29 December 2025 06:30
Trump says Ukraine and Russia ‘closer than ever before’ to a peace deal
US president Donald Trump said Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace deal after meeting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida, following a lengthy phone call with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Trump expressed optimism that Putin wants peace, even as Russia continued attacks on Ukraine, but cautioned that negotiations remain complex and could still collapse.
Trump and Zelensky acknowledged major sticking points, particularly the future of the Donbas region and security guarantees to prevent future Russian invasions.
Zelensky said a 20-point draft peace plan is about 90 per cent ready, with the US offering Nato-like security guarantees if Ukraine drops its bid to join the alliance.
European leaders were briefed, and Trump said further meetings could take place soon.
Maroosha Muzaffar29 December 2025 05:45
Recap: Trump hails ‘terrific’ Ukraine peace plan meeting with Zelensky and claims ‘a lot of progress’ made
Donald Trump hailed crucial peace talks between the US and Ukraine as “terrific”, but acknowledged “thorny issues” remained before a deal could be achieved over the war with Russia.
The two leaders gave little away during a press conference following the discussions, but Mr Trump said he believed “a lot of progress” had been made.
You can read the full report from Bryony Gooch and Nicole Wootton-Cane below:
Nicole Wootton-Cane29 December 2025 05:00
Trump says Ukraine security deal ‘close to 95%’ done
Donald Trump said security guarantees for Ukraine were nearly finalised, with talks “close to 95 per cent” complete.
He admitted, however, that some “thorny issues”, especially the control of territory in the eastern Donbas region, remained unresolved.
Trump was speaking after hosting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida for talks, which both described as productive.
Further US-Ukraine talks are set for next week.
Maroosha Muzaffar29 December 2025 04:15
Russian submarine followed spy ship into British waters as it mapped gas pipeline
A Russian submarine was deployed alongside a spy ship to map critical undersea infrastructure around Britain, it has emerged.
An anti-submarine Merlin Mk2 helicopter could be seen from the photo tracking the Yantar in the Irish Sea from November last year; a British submarine also emerged from the surface nearby.
It is believed to be one of several operations where Russian submarines have accompanied the Yantar into waters close to the British Isles, according to The Sunday Times.
The Independent’s Bryony Gooch has this story:
Nicole Wootton-Cane29 December 2025 04:00
Watch: Trump says ‘we’ll get it done’ and shakes hands with Zelensky ahead of peace talks in FloridaTrump says ‘we’ll get it done’ and shakes hands with Zelensky ahead of peace talks in Florida
Nicole Wootton-Cane29 December 2025 03:00
Putin critic sentenced to six years in prison by Russian court
A Russian court has sentenced a pro-war activist and critic of President Vladimir Putin to to six years in prison on Thursday.
Sergei Udaltsov is the leader of the Left Front movement that opposes Putin and is also affiliated with the Communist Party.
Nicole Wootton-Cane29 December 2025 02:00
Ukraine is leveraging its powerful – and cheap – new drone killers for air defence
Nicole Wootton-Cane29 December 2025 01:00