Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will arrive in Florida this weekend for critical Sunday talks with US President Donald Trump focused on achieving a Ukraine-Russia peace resolution. The meeting, expected at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, comes as the comprehensive peace framework reaches 90% completion, with remaining obstacles requiring high-level political decisions.
The Ukrainian president announced the meeting through social media, emphasizing the importance of every moment in diplomatic preparations. Zelenskyy told reporters that discussions with Trump would address the most sensitive elements of peace arrangements, including security guarantees for Ukraine, reconstruction planning, and territorial issues related to the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He expressed confidence that the progress achieved by negotiating teams creates a strong foundation for resolution.
The peace proposal under consideration evolved from a 28-point document developed through consultations between US envoys and Russian officials. Critics initially viewed that framework as skewed toward Russian positions, leading Ukraine to advocate for substantial modifications including robust security guarantees modeled on NATO’s Article 5 collective defense commitments. However, considerable uncertainty persists about Moscow’s receptiveness to such provisions, with Zelenskyy observing that Russian negotiators consistently “look for reasons not to agree” to peace proposals.
President Trump offered measured remarks about the upcoming summit, describing his expectations as “good” while declining to commit to supporting any particular proposals. The American president emphasized his central role in the peace process, stating bluntly that Zelenskyy “doesn’t have anything until I approve it.” Trump also indicated he expected to speak with Putin soon, maintaining direct communication with the Russian leader as negotiations progress. Recent diplomatic activity included weekend meetings in Miami where Trump’s envoy held separate discussions with Russian and Ukrainian representatives.
The diplomatic effort unfolds amid ongoing military operations and complex battlefield dynamics. Kyiv experienced powerful explosions early Saturday as air defenses engaged missiles and drones targeting multiple regions, underscoring the conflict’s persistent intensity. In a significant military development, Ukrainian forces recently recaptured Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, contradicting earlier Russian military claims about controlling the city. This discrepancy triggered criticism from prominent Russian military bloggers with defense ministry connections, who accused officials of systematically providing false battlefield reports. As Putin reportedly reiterates maximalist demands while hinting at possible limited territorial exchanges, the critical talks this Sunday could determine whether diplomatic efforts can achieve the peace resolution that has eluded negotiators for months.