Good morning from the Financial Times. Today is Monday, December 29th, and this is your FT News Briefing.

U.S. President Donald Trump says progress toward peace in Ukraine could be near 95% complete.

And tis the season for resolutions, but we're taking a look at predictions,

namely ones our FT colleagues made at the start of 2025. Today, we're zooming in on the bond

market. I was very nearly wrong, but it turns out I was right to say that the market would

avoid total disaster. I'm Victoria Craig, and here's the news you need to start your day.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump exchanged plenty of flattery

about their, quote, terrific meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday,

but a plan for peace in Ukraine is still elusive. The two leaders appeared side by side at the

U.S. President's Palm Beach Resort after they wrapped three hours of talks that included a call

with European leaders. Zelensky said all aspects of a 20-point peace plan were discussed,

while President Trump suggested progress toward an agreement could be, quote, close to 95%.

I really believe we're probably Mr. President closer than, by far closer than ever before,

with both parties.

Standing in the way are what the U.S. President described as one or two thorny sticking points,

which include territorial issues.

He said a possible demilitarized zone in the Donbass region is a very tough issue and remains,

quote, unresolved.

The two leaders stopped short of setting a deadline for a peace agreement to be finalized,

but President Trump

opened the door to a meeting with European leaders in January and said he could see a future

trilateral meeting between himself, Zelensky, and Russia's president Vladimir Putin.

...