Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday for high-level talks focused on efforts to bring an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia, now approaching its fourth year. The meeting comes amid renewed fighting and heightened diplomatic activity involving the United States, Europe, and Moscow.
The talks will take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence and are expected to center on an updated US-backed peace proposal, along with separate discussions on potential security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky said the timing of the meeting is significant, following a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv that he described as evidence that Moscow is not currently seeking a peaceful resolution.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia carried out a prolonged missile and drone assault on the capital, lasting around ten hours. Local officials said two people were killed and at least 32 others injured. The strikes caused widespread disruption, including damage to residential areas and energy infrastructure.
Zelensky said the attack undermined ongoing diplomatic efforts and highlighted the challenges facing peace negotiations. Speaking after consultations with international partners, he said Ukraine continues to push for a negotiated settlement but requires firm commitments to ensure long-term security.
During the Florida meeting, Zelensky is expected to raise the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine, as well as possible territorial arrangements. These topics have proven contentious in previous negotiations, with Russia showing little willingness to compromise. Control over eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas region, remains one of the most difficult issues.
The revised peace proposal under discussion is a 20-point plan, which replaces an earlier 28-point framework drafted by US special envoy Steve Witkoff. The earlier version faced criticism from Kyiv and its allies, who believed it favored Russian interests. Zelensky has described the updated draft as a strong foundation for ending the conflict and said it is close to completion.
Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk, has been a focal point of the war since 2014. Russian forces currently control most of Luhansk and a large portion of Donetsk. Zelensky has suggested that the creation of a free economic zone in the region could be explored as part of a broader settlement, though he has stressed that any agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The Kremlin has not publicly responded to these suggestions. On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin was quoted by state media as saying Ukraine was not moving quickly toward a peaceful solution. He added that Russia would continue to pursue its objectives if diplomacy failed.
Despite the ongoing violence, Zelensky has expressed cautious optimism about the peace process. Speaking to reporters, he said the revised plan was nearly finalized and that Ukraine’s priority was ensuring all elements were clearly defined before any agreement is reached.
Trump, meanwhile, has taken a direct role in the discussions. In a recent interview, he said Zelensky would need US approval for any final deal and added that he expected to review the latest draft during their meeting. Trump also indicated he anticipated speaking with Putin in the near future, suggesting parallel discussions with both sides.
Following meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Zelensky reiterated that Russia’s recent actions contradicted its public statements about peace. He also held calls with European leaders to coordinate positions ahead of the Florida talks, emphasizing the need for unity and firm diplomatic stances.
European and Nato leaders have reiterated their support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Kyiv continues to have strong backing from its allies as negotiations move forward.
Ukrainian officials said the latest attack on Kyiv significantly affected energy supplies, leaving around 40 percent of residential buildings in the capital and nearby areas without heating. Russia’s defence ministry said its strikes targeted energy facilities it claimed were supporting Ukraine’s military operations.
According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia launched nearly 500 drones and around 40 missiles during the assault. Russian officials, in turn, said their air defence systems intercepted almost 200 Ukrainian drones over several regions, including areas near Moscow.
The escalation prompted neighboring Poland to place its air defences on alert due to the proximity of the fighting. Polish officials later confirmed that there had been no violation of national airspace.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether negotiations can make progress or whether the conflict will continue along its current trajectory.