Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida this weekend as diplomatic efforts intensify to end Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine. The meeting is expected to focus on a US-brokered peace plan, long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, and possible economic arrangements in conflict-hit regions.
Zelensky said the talks would likely take place on Sunday and could help resolve several unresolved issues. He stressed that time was critical as negotiations entered a decisive phase.
What Zelensky and Trump Will Discuss
The talks will centre on a 20-point peace plan proposed by the United States. Zelensky said the plan is nearly final.
“Our task is to make sure everything is 100% ready,” he told reporters on Friday.
He added on social media: “We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level – with President Trump in the near future. A lot can be decided before the new year.”
Alongside the peace plan, Ukraine wants clear US security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression. Zelensky said separate documents on security and economic cooperation would also be discussed.
Ukraine’s Proposal on Donbas Explained
One of the most sensitive issues remains territory, especially eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. Zelensky has suggested creating a demilitarized free economic zone in areas that Russia has failed to capture militarily.
He signalled that Ukraine could withdraw troops by up to 40 kilometres from the eastern front if Russia agreed to pull back the same distance from occupied parts of Donbas.
Russia has not responded to this proposal and continues to demand full control over the region, including areas it has not occupied.
Russia-US Talks Continue in Parallel
While Zelensky prepares for talks in Florida, Russia and the United States continue separate negotiations. The Kremlin confirmed that senior Russian officials have spoken with US counterparts and agreed to continue discussions.
Russia has described the talks as showing “slow but steady progress”, though it remains critical of Western involvement. Moscow has accused Western European countries of trying to disrupt diplomatic momentum.
Further meetings between Russian and American delegations are planned following recent discussions in the United States.
Security Guarantees Modelled on NATO
A key demand from Ukraine is a strong security framework. The latest proposals include US and European security guarantees modelled on NATO’s Article 5, which commits allies to defend each other in case of attack.
The plan would also allow Ukraine to maintain a military force of around 800,000 personnel. Russia has long demanded that Ukraine drastically reduce its army, making this point a major obstacle.
Another difficult issue involves the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest. The US has proposed that Ukraine and Russia share the energy produced by the facility, which is currently under Russian control.
Fighting Continues Despite Diplomatic Push
Even as talks progress, violence has not stopped. Shortly after news of the Florida meeting emerged, a Russian air strike hit Kharkiv, killing two people and injuring several others.
Ukraine reported casualties in other cities as well. Its air force said it shot down 73 drones overnight. Russia claimed it intercepted Ukrainian drones and missiles, including British-supplied Storm Shadows.
Ukraine also said it struck oil and gas facilities inside Russia, underlining how active the conflict remains.
Zelensky’s Recent Talks With Trump’s Team
Zelensky confirmed that he recently spoke for an hour with Trump’s chief negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on Christmas Day.
He described the call as a “really good conversation” that produced “new ideas” on ending the war.
Zelensky and Trump have had a complex relationship. An early meeting this year ended in a heated exchange, but their most recent discussions have been more constructive.
