Morning Joe Trump hosts Zelenskyy for talks in Florida
Dec 29, 2025
Mark Palmaropoulos, a retired CIA officer and national security analyst, shares insights on U.S. policies towards Ukraine and Venezuela. He discusses Trump's controversial remarks about Russia aiding Ukraine’s reconstruction and explores Zelensky's potential land concessions. David Drucker, a senior political writer, provides context on Trump's diplomatic efforts and the likelihood of Putin's rejection of any deals. They delve into the complexities of security guarantees and the implications of covert actions in Venezuela, highlighting the tangled web of international relations.
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Hopeful Rhetoric, Few Concrete Guarantees
- President Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky presented cautious optimism after Mar-a-Lago talks but offered few concrete details on security guarantees.
- Analysts warned that major disagreements remain, especially over territorial concessions and Russia's likely rejection.
Reconstruction Claims Clash With Reality
- Trump suggested Russia would help with Ukraine's reconstruction, a claim met with disbelief from Zelensky and analysts.
- Comment highlighted a fundamental disconnect: Putin invaded Ukraine and remains unlikely to back Ukrainian sovereignty.
No Breakthrough, But No Debacle
- The Mar-a-Lago meeting produced no breakthrough but avoided the February debacle, letting Zelensky appear reasonable to Trump.
- Experts warned U.S. policy felt morally inverted and that Trump may tilt toward Moscow rather than press Russia hard.