How Trump’s ‘Terrific’ Meeting With Zelensky Played Into Putin’s Hands

What looked like a cordial encounter at Mar-a-Lago between President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky — described by Trump as “terrific” — contained remarks that echoed Kremlin talking points and risked increasing pressure on Kyiv.

Polite Surface, Troubling Subtext

Zelensky arrived in a sober black suit, and the two leaders emerged from the dining room exchanging cordial banter. Yet beneath the amicable tone, Trump made comments that suggested he views negotiations through a prism that often accommodates Moscow’s aims. At one point he suggested Ukrainian territory might be “taken” in the coming months and asked whether it would be better to “make a deal now.”

Echoes Of Kremlin Messaging

That language echoed Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov’s summary of a call between Trump and Vladimir Putin earlier the same day. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Trump had “apparently reminded” the Ukrainian side that “Ukraine is losing land and will continue to lose it.” Russian forces continue incremental advances in Donbas, and Moscow maintains demands that would require Ukraine to cede territory it does not currently control.

President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on August 15. - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

Ceasefire, Referendum And A Diplomatic Stalemate

The most difficult barrier to a negotiated settlement remains territory. Kyiv has signaled limited openness to talks about territorial compromises, but Zelensky has insisted any change in sovereignty or status would require a referendum — and he says a referendum cannot be held without a 60-day ceasefire. Without a ceasefire there can be no referendum, and without a referendum concessions are unlikely — a situation that buys time for Russian military pressure.

“Russia wants to continue to put pressure on us. And what does this continuation look like? War, missiles, artillery.” — Volodymyr Zelensky

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant And The Human Cost

Trump praised Putin’s handling of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, saying Putin was “actually working with Ukraine on getting it open.” International monitors caution the site remains dangerously exposed: the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports the plant has been cut off from external power 12 times since Russia’s occupation began and continues to need protective repairs. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has warned that attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure undermine nuclear safety.

Security Guarantees And Political Constraints

One concrete gain for Kyiv is a written U.S. security-guarantee document, replacing only verbal assurances. The guarantees are limited: they expire after 15 years, require congressional approval, and do not include U.S. ground troops. The package would, however, signal U.S. support for European partners should they choose to deploy forces.

Firefighters work at the site of an apartment building hit during Russian missile and drone strikes in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Saturday. - Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters

Ongoing Diplomacy — And Uncertain Outcomes

Diplomatic activity is scheduled to continue into early 2026, with adviser-level meetings, a “Coalition of the Willing” gathering in Paris, and the possibility of a Washington summit. The administration has proposed multiple working groups — an approach Moscow has endorsed — but critics warn working groups can also be used to delay decisive action. In October, the White House did impose sanctions on major Russian oil companies, a step that contributed to a drop in Russian oil prices.

For now, the meeting left Kyiv with written but limited assurances, exposed the U.S. president’s susceptibility to messaging that aligns with Moscow’s position on territory, and underscored how fragile direct talks between Russia and Ukraine remain.

Sources: Statements from President Trump and President Zelensky; Kremlin spokespeople; IAEA reporting; comments from Ukrainian and Russian officials.