Zelenskiy and Trump Meet in Florida as Ukraine Peace Talks Face Major Hurdles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday in a high-stakes effort to advance a U.S.-brokered plan to end the war in Ukraine. The talks come amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other regions, underscoring the fragile prospects for peace and deep disagreements over territory.

Just one day before the meeting, Russia launched hundreds of missiles and drones across Ukraine, disrupting electricity and heating in parts of the capital. Zelenskiy described the strikes as Moscow’s direct response to ongoing peace negotiations led by the United States. The escalation has raised doubts about Russia’s willingness to compromise, even as diplomatic efforts accelerate.

During the Florida meeting, Zelenskiy plans to discuss the future of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and broader security arrangements. Territorial concessions remain the most contentious issue. Russia continues to demand that Ukraine withdraw from all of Donbas, including areas still under Kyiv’s control, as well as from the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and formally abandon its NATO aspirations.

Ukraine, backed by European allies, favors freezing the conflict along current front lines. A U.S. proposal reportedly suggests the creation of a free economic zone if Ukraine exits parts of Donbas, though details remain unclear. Zelenskiy has said he hopes to soften provisions calling for a full withdrawal but, if unsuccessful, would consider putting the finalized 20-point peace plan to a national referendum, contingent on a 60-day ceasefire.

U.S. officials view Zelenskiy’s openness to a referendum as progress, though polls suggest Ukrainian voters may reject territorial concessions. Meanwhile, European leaders and Canada have reaffirmed support for Ukraine, with Canada pledging additional financial aid and the European Union emphasizing the need for a just and lasting peace that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty.

As Zelenskiy prepares to brief European leaders after his meeting with Trump, the outcome of the Florida talks could prove pivotal, shaping not only Ukraine’s future but also broader European security amid ongoing Russian aggression.