As diplomatic momentum builds toward a possible Ukraine-Russia peace agreement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing to meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida this Sunday. The meeting, anticipated to occur at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property, represents a critical opportunity to resolve the final 10% of outstanding issues in a comprehensive peace framework.
Zelenskyy announced the upcoming summit through social media, stressing that Ukrainian officials are working urgently to prepare for discussions with the American president. The Ukrainian leader revealed that the meeting would address the most critical and sensitive aspects of peace negotiations, including security guarantees for Ukraine, reconstruction funding, and territorial arrangements concerning the contested Donbas region and the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He told journalists that the proposed peace plan has reached 90% completion.
The current peace framework evolved from a 28-point proposal developed through consultations between US envoys and Russian officials. That initial document drew criticism for appearing to tilt toward Kremlin preferences, prompting Ukraine to push for modifications including stronger security commitments comparable to NATO’s mutual defense provisions. Zelenskyy acknowledged the persistent challenges in reaching agreement with Moscow, stating that “Russia constantly looks for reasons not to agree” to proposed peace terms.
Trump provided cautious commentary on the scheduled meeting, expressing anticipation for discussions while refraining from endorsing specific proposals. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” the American president stated regarding Zelenskyy’s plan. Trump also mentioned expecting to speak with Putin soon, maintaining direct engagement with the Russian leader as part of the broader diplomatic effort. Recent activity has been intense, with Trump’s envoy holding separate meetings with Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Miami last weekend.
The diplomatic initiative proceeds against a backdrop of ongoing military operations and evolving battlefield conditions. Early Saturday morning, Kyiv faced missile and drone attacks requiring extensive air defense responses, demonstrating the war’s ongoing intensity. In a notable military development, Ukrainian forces recently liberated Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, contradicting earlier Russian claims of controlling the city. This victory exposed problems with Russian military reporting, with prominent defense-connected bloggers criticizing the systematic provision of exaggerated battlefield assessments. Meanwhile, Putin has reportedly maintained maximalist demands including Ukrainian surrender of the entire Donbas region while suggesting potential openness to limited territorial exchanges.
19