Zelensky and Trump plan a crucial meeting in Florida to discuss a US-brokered peace plan, security guarantees, and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Ukraine, Zelensky, Trump, Russia, peace plan, security guarantees, Donbas, negotiations, Zaporizhzhia, military, international relations
Zelensky and Trump to Discuss US-Brokered Peace Plan in Florida Meeting
Key Developments: Ukraine, US, and Russia Peace Talks
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans for a critical meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida this coming weekend. The primary focus will be on advancing a US-brokered 20-point peace plan, aimed at ending Russia’s full-scale war in the region. This top-level discussion is set amid ongoing negotiations and proposed US security guarantees to Ukraine.
The Kremlin has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin’s senior aides have also engaged in continued talks with US officials, committing to further negotiations. While Russia claims “slow but steady progress,” Moscow has yet to publicly address Zelensky’s offer to mutually withdraw troops from Donbas.
Peace Plan and Security Guarantees
Ukraine is striving to secure robust US guarantees as part of any eventual peace deal. Zelensky hinted that a demilitarized “free economic zone” could be established in parts of Donbas which remain outside Russian control. On Friday, Zelensky updated that he had received the latest technical developments from his chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov.
He stated: “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.”
Previous meetings between Zelensky and Trump have been intense; while their February White House summit descended into heated exchanges, their most recent engagement in October was more amicable. Read about the latest in Ukraine peace talks.
Latest Round of Negotiations
Confirming the upcoming talks, Zelensky shared that he had a one-hour phone conversation with Trump’s chief negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on Christmas Day. Zelensky described it as a “really good conversation” which generated “new ideas” to end the war.
The White House has suggested a demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine, where both sides would refrain from deploying troops. This pragmatic approach sidesteps the complex question of legal ownership over contested territories, providing a potential breakthrough for peace.
Challenges Ahead: Donbas and Zaporizhzhia
Zelensky signaled that Ukraine could consider pulling its troops back by up to 40 kilometers from the eastern front to foster an economic zone, provided Russia reciprocates from its occupied positions in Donbas. While Ukraine has already secured amendments to the original draft peace plan—improving its terms—the most contentious issues remain territorial boundaries and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The White House proposal involves splitting the energy produced by the Zaporizhzhia plant (the largest in Europe) between Ukraine and Russia. Presently, the site remains under Russian military control.
International and Military Implications
Russia is unlikely to accept all elements of the updated US peace plan, notably the territorial concessions. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused Western European states of stalling diplomatic progress.
Following a recent Miami meeting between US negotiators and President Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev, further talks between Russian and American delegations are scheduled. Close aide Yuri Ushakov is reportedly in close communication with the White House to keep the dialogue active.
The newest plan now includes US and European security guarantees modeled on NATO’s Article 5—promising military support if Russia resumes aggression. Ukraine’s military would maintain a force of 800,000—the Kremlin wishes to see this number reduced.
Continued Conflict and Humanitarian Impact
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting and airstrikes persist across Ukraine. At least four recent civilian deaths have been reported since December 25. Ukraine claims to have shot down 73 drones overnight, while Russia reports intercepting several projectiles, including British Storm Shadow missiles. Ukraine has also targeted oil and gas facilities within Russia’s Rostov and Krasnodar regions.
Looking Forward: The Road to Peace
The path to a peaceful resolution between Ukraine and Russia remains challenging but continues to progress. The upcoming Zelensky and Trump meeting in Florida represents a crucial step in seeking a practical solution that combines security guarantees, territorial compromises, and economic cooperation.
For a detailed background and news updates, visit BBC News’ Ukraine crisis coverage.