Trump and Zelenskyy tout progress on peace but ‘thorny’ issues remain

Trump and Zelenskyy tout progress on peace but ‘thorny’ issues remain

Author: Financial Times December 29, 2025 Duration: 11:41

US President Donald Trump hosted Ukraine’s leader at Mar-a-Lago for high-stakes peace talks but failed to reach a breakthrough. Plus, FT markets columnist Katie Martin predicted that in 2025, the bond market would creak but not break. She explains why it held up and whether that will continue in 2026. 


Mentioned in this podcast:

Trump and Zelenskyy talks fail to deliver breakthrough on Ukraine peace deal

Forecasting the World in 2025 

Unhedged podcast


Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts 


Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippinio. Our show was mixed by Kent Militzer. Additional help from Adam Samson and Gavin Kallmann. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. 


Credit: White House


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com


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Start your morning with the essential context for the day ahead. FT News Briefing, directly from the Financial Times newsroom, cuts through the noise to deliver a concise, authoritative overview of the global business and political developments that truly matter. Each episode is a focused, ten-minute digest designed for the time-pressed, offering clarity on complex market movements, geopolitical shifts, and economic policy decisions. You’ll hear the FT’s expert analysis woven into the reporting, providing not just the headlines but the underlying forces at play. This daily podcast serves as an efficient primer, whether you’re commuting or preparing for your first meeting, ensuring you’re informed on the stories that will define conversations in boardrooms and beyond. Released every weekday morning, it’s a reliable filter for the overwhelming flow of information, built on the FT’s legacy of rigorous journalism. Tune in to transform the way you catch up on world events, turning a few minutes into a strategic advantage for your day.
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