PALM BEACH, Florida, Dec 28 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is due to sit down with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida later today for direct talks focused on ending the war in Ukraine, as Russia continues to intensify its missile and drone campaign against Ukrainian cities. The meeting takes place under mounting pressure on Kyiv, with renewed strikes damaging power and heating infrastructure and diplomatic efforts struggling to bridge deep political and military divides.
Zelenskiy arrived in Florida late Saturday with his delegation, signaling the urgency Kyiv places on direct talks with Trump, who remains a central figure in shaping U.S. policy debates on Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials speaking publicly ahead of the meeting, the discussions are expected to focus on a proposed peace framework that has been under negotiation for weeks, but which still contains unresolved and highly sensitive issues.
High Stakes Talks Amid Escalating Attacks
The timing of the Florida meeting is difficult to ignore. Just hours before Zelenskiy’s arrival, Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults in recent weeks, firing hundreds of missiles and drones at targets across Ukraine. The capital, Kyiv, along with several other regions, experienced power outages and disruptions to heating systems during the winter cold. Zelenskiy described the strikes as a calculated message from Moscow, suggesting that Russia is attempting to strengthen its negotiating position through force rather than compromise.
In remarks to journalists before departing for Florida, Zelenskiy said the talks with Trump would address the future of Ukraine’s eastern regions, particularly the Donbas, where fighting has been fiercest since the early days of the conflict. He also plans to raise concerns about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which has repeatedly been at risk due to nearby military activity. International nuclear inspectors have warned that any damage to the facility could have catastrophic consequences, a concern echoed by global energy and security experts.
The proposed peace framework, often described by Ukrainian and U.S. officials as a 20 point plan, is reportedly close to completion. Zelenskiy has said publicly that the plan is around 90% finalized. However, the remaining gaps involve issues that go to the heart of Ukraine’s sovereignty, especially questions of territory and long term security guarantees.
Trump, who has argued that he could bring the war to an end through direct negotiations, is expected to press Zelenskiy on the feasibility of concessions that could make a deal acceptable to Moscow. People familiar with the talks have indicated that Washington has floated compromise ideas, including freezing current battle lines or creating special economic arrangements in contested regions. These proposals, while intended to break the deadlock, remain deeply controversial inside Ukraine.
Territorial Disputes and the Path to Peace
Territory remains the most explosive topic on the agenda. Russia continues to demand that Ukraine relinquish full control of the Donbas region, including areas still held by Ukrainian forces. Moscow also insists on broader conditions first outlined by President Vladimir Putin last year, such as Ukraine abandoning its ambitions to join NATO. Ukrainian officials view these demands as unacceptable, arguing they reward aggression and undermine international law.
Zelenskiy has tried to balance domestic pressure with diplomatic reality. In recent interviews with Western media outlets, he suggested that if forced to consider territorial compromises, any final decision should be put to a national referendum. According to Ukrainian election experts, such a vote would require at least a two month ceasefire to allow for preparation and fair campaigning. U.S. officials familiar with the discussions have reportedly seen this openness to a referendum as a shift in tone, though public opinion polls indicate many Ukrainians remain strongly opposed to giving up land.
On the ground, reactions among Ukrainians are mixed. Some see the Florida talks as a rare opportunity to stop the bloodshed, while others fear that powerful allies may push Kyiv into a deal that leaves the country weakened. Soldiers and civilians interviewed by international journalists in Kyiv expressed cautious hope but little confidence that Russia would honor any agreement without strong enforcement mechanisms.
European leaders are watching closely. While not directly involved in the Florida meeting, several European governments have increased consultations in recent weeks, focusing on what a post war security arrangement for Ukraine might look like. The European Commission president, speaking after a call with Zelenskiy and other leaders, emphasized the need for a peace that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and strengthens its defense capabilities. European diplomats have also voiced concerns that a rushed deal could leave them bearing much of the financial and security burden in the years ahead.
Russia, meanwhile, continues to signal confidence on the battlefield. The Kremlin has announced new territorial gains almost weekly, claiming advances in multiple regions. Independent analysts caution that such claims are difficult to verify, but there is broad agreement that Russian forces have maintained steady pressure. Putin has stated publicly that Moscow will continue fighting unless Kyiv agrees to a swift settlement on Russian terms.
Beyond Ukraine, global leaders have reacted sharply to the latest violence. Canada’s prime minister, speaking after reports of civilian casualties, condemned the Russian strikes as barbaric and called for continued international support for Ukraine. Similar statements have come from officials in other Western capitals, reinforcing the view that the conflict’s outcome will shape broader global security norms.
As Zelenskiy prepares to sit down with Trump at his Florida residence, expectations are tempered by reality. Even if the meeting produces a clearer outline for peace, significant hurdles remain. Any agreement would need buy in from Moscow, acceptance by the Ukrainian public, and sustained backing from Western allies. Zelenskiy has said he plans to brief European leaders immediately after the talks, underscoring that Ukraine’s future cannot be decided in isolation.
With the New Year approaching, the Florida meeting may mark a turning point, or simply another chapter in a long and painful conflict. What is clear is that the choices made in these talks will resonate far beyond Ukraine’s borders, shaping alliances, security strategies, and the balance of power for years to come.