Zelensky Says He Plans to Meet Donald Trump in Florida for Ukraine Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he plans to meet with Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday as part of ongoing efforts to reach a peace deal to end Russia’s nearly four-year war in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters Friday, Zelensky said the meeting would focus on finalizing key elements of a U.S.-backed peace framework, though he cautioned there are no guarantees of a final agreement. He said a 20-point peace plan negotiated by Ukrainian and U.S. officials is about 90% complete and could serve as a foundational document for ending the war.

Zelensky said discussions with Trump would also center on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Kyiv is seeking assurances from allies that would mirror NATO’s collective defense commitment, even as Ukraine signals it may no longer pursue full NATO membership as part of a potential deal.

There has been no immediate confirmation of the meeting from the White House. Zelensky’s announcement comes after he indicated Ukraine is willing to compromise on some key issues that have stalled peace efforts, including military positioning in eastern Ukraine.

The current proposal follows an earlier 28-point draft that emerged from talks involving the United States and Russia in November. That version drew criticism from Ukraine’s allies for favoring Moscow. After weeks of further negotiations between Kyiv and Washington, the plan was reduced to 20 points, which Zelensky says better reflects Ukraine’s interests.

Zelensky said Ukraine is negotiating directly with the United States, which is acting as an intermediary with Moscow. He noted that Kyiv has not yet received a formal response from the Kremlin on the latest proposal.

Russia has long demanded that Ukraine abandon NATO ambitions and withdraw troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine, areas Russia claims as part of its territory following illegal annexations in 2022. Zelensky has suggested Ukraine could withdraw forces from some areas not currently occupied by Russian troops, but only if Russia makes reciprocal concessions and the regions are demilitarized.

Any changes to Ukraine’s borders would require approval through a national referendum, Zelensky said, emphasizing that the country’s future must be decided by its people.

The Kremlin has shown little public willingness to ease its demands. Russian officials have continued to insist that Ukraine fully withdraw from the Donbas region. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian officials have communicated with members of the Trump administration after receiving the latest proposals, though details remain limited.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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