Volodymyr Zelensky quickly reacted after US President Donald Trump claimed the Ukrainian leader preferred Mar-a-Lago over the White House.
On Sunday, December 28, Trump and Zelenskyy convened at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, to deliberate on a revised peace strategy aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict.
The discussions between the two leaders extended beyond three hours. However, no major breakthrough was declared post-meeting. They accentuated that the path to resolving the war with Russia, initiated in 2022, was intricate and demanded more time.
Nevertheless, Trump commended Zelenskyy and voiced optimism about the war’s potential conclusion. “I do think we’re getting a lot closer, maybe very close,” he mentioned.
After the Sunday meeting, Zelenskyy swiftly addressed Trump’s quip about Mar-a-Lago during a concluding joint press conference. Trump had boasted about the impression his private Florida estate made on Zelenskyy.
“He walked in, he said, ‘This place is gorgeous’. I don’t think he wants to go to the White House anymore, that’s the problem,” Trump remarked.
With a grin, Zelensky retorted, “I’m ready to go to the White House”.
Trump responded, “I know, we are.”
He then addressed the press, stating, “The White House is a very special place, and so is this. I hope you enjoyed it.”
Trump additionally noted that the Ukrainian delegation appreciated the cuisine at Mar-a-Lago. “It was an honor to have you at Mar-a-Lago and have lunch,” he said. “I hope you enjoyed the food.”
In October, Trump and Zelenskyy had an intense meeting at the White House as they strove to find a resolution to the conflict.
BREAKING: Trump brags about Zelensky not wanting to goto the WH anymore because Mar-a-Lago is so “gorgeous”.
ZELENSKY: “I’m ready to go to the White House.” pic.twitter.com/dNpVhWsrL0
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) December 28, 2025
Trump reportedly urged Ukraine to agree to Putin’s ‘maximalist’ peace conditions, which included the concession of the entire Donbas region. Zelenskyy has opposed these demands.
This followed a previous meeting in February, which also resulted in a heated argument between the two, with the footage later going viral.
US Vice President JD Vance, who was present during the Oval Office exchange, accused Zelenskyy of showing disrespect towards both the US and President Trump, suggesting he ‘should be thanking the president’.
The Ukrainian president contemplated on how ‘during the war, everyone has problems’ and stated that those in the US might not ‘feel it now’ but could in ‘the future’.
Trump retorted, “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good. We’re going to feel very good and very strong. You’re right now, not in a very good position, you’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position.
“You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards … You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people! You’re gambling with World War Three! You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country – this country.”
Post the Mar-a-Lago meeting on Sunday, Zelenskyy informed reporters that a peace plan is ‘90 percent’ complete.