I just had a good and very productive telephone call with President Putin of Russia prior to my meeting, at 1:00 P.M. today, with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine.

The meeting will take place in the main dining room of Mar-a-Lago. Press is invited.

Right now, Republicans in Congress have abolished the Congress.

They just do what the President insists that they do. That will be over as soon as we have the gavel.

The presidents began their conversation, which lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes, by exchanging warm greetings for the Christmas and New Year holidays and, naturally, wishing happiness to the peoples of both countries.

The conversation was equally friendly, benevolent, and businesslike.

A mutual interest in advancing toward a peaceful, lasting settlement of the Ukrainian conflict was emphasized.

Donald Trump listened attentively to Russia's assessments of the realistic prospects for reaching an agreement.

Russia and the United States hold broadly similar views that the temporary ceasefire proposed by the Ukrainians and Europeans, under the pretext of preparing for a referendum or other pretexts, will only prolong the conflict and risk a resumption of hostilities.

A final end to these conflicts requires, first and foremost, Kyiv to make a bold, responsible political decision, guided by Russian efforts, conducted through the Russian-American channel.

Given the evolving situation on the frontlines, it would make sense for the Ukrainian regime to make this decision regarding Donbas without delay.

Donald Trump persistently emphasized the need for immediate action.

Trump spoke of impressive prospects for U.S.–Russia economic cooperation if the conflict in Ukraine is brought to an end.

Trump said he was once again convinced of Russia's commitment.

It is with this in mind that he intends to structure today's negotiations with Zelensky.

The conversation with Putin was organized at Trump's initiative.

Putin and Trump will speak by phone again after the meeting with Zelensky.

We're going to have a very good meeting today, I think.

I'm also calling President Putin back after the meeting. And we'll continue the negotiation.

Pretty complex, but not that complex.

I don't have deadlines.

You know what my deadline is? Getting the war ended.

Nobody even knows what the security agreement is going to say.

But there will be a security agreement, it will be a strong agreement.

I believe Ukraine has made some very strong attacks also. And I don't say that negatively. I think you probably have to. I don't say that negatively.

There have been some explosions in various parts of Russia. I don't think it came from the Congo. I don't think it came from the United States of America. It possibly came from Ukraine, but I haven't asked that question. Maybe I won't bother asking.

We have two willing countries. They want to see it end. The people of Ukraine want it to end, and the people of Russia want it to end, and the two leaders want it to end.

We’re in final stages of talking. It’ll either end or go on for a long time.

Millions of additional people are going to be killed, and nobody wants that.