Trump and Zelenskyy Bring Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks to Mar-a-Lago, Eye Breakthrough Amid Global Tensions – 12/29/2025, 8:29:24 AM

Top world news as of December 29, 2025, centers on advancing Ukraine-Russia peace talks following a Mar-a-Lago summit between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, amid ongoing global tensions.[1][2]

Ukraine-Russia Peace Efforts

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy thanked President Trump after Sunday’s Mar-a-Lago talks, stating the U.S. “100% agrees” with security guarantees for Ukraine; Trump described both sides as “closer than ever” to a peace deal but noted deep divisions over territories controlled by Russia.[1][2]
• Zelenskyy secured backing from Canada ($2.5 billion in aid) and European leaders before the meeting; Trump plans another call with Putin, with a potential 30-day timeline discussed earlier at the G7.[2]
• Russia struck Kyiv with missiles and drones on December 27, wounding 11; Zelenskyy called it Moscow’s “answer” to peace efforts ahead of the summit.[1]

Other Key Developments

• Russia-Ukraine conflict escalation: Explosion in Moscow on December 24 killed 3, including two police officers; Russian investigators blame Ukrainian intelligence.[1]
• Middle East and Africa: Mosque bombing in Homs, Syria, killed 6 and wounded 21 on December 26; U.S. Christmas Day airstrike in Nigeria targeted an Islamic State camp, rattling nearby villagers; Libya mourns military chief and others killed in Turkey plane crash.[1]
• Asia-Pacific: Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire on December 27 to end border fighting, with top diplomats meeting in China on December 28; Thailand names PM candidates for February election; Russia launched 3 Iranian satellites.[1]
• Europe and beyond: UK PM criticized for welcoming activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah from Egypt amid resurfaced tweets; China sanctioned 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 executives; Guatemala bus crash killed 15, prompting 3-day mourning; Myanmar preps polling machines for weekend election.[1]

These stories reflect reports from the past few days, with peace talks dominating recent coverage.[1][2]