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Zelensky travels to Florida for high-stakes talks with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to negotiate a revised American-backed peace proposal aimed at ending nearly four years of conflict with Russia. The discussions follow a weekend of intense Russian airstrikes on Kyiv, which Zelensky described as proof Moscow is not interested in peace.
Weekend bombardment underscores urgency of talks
Russian forces launched a 10-hour barrage of missiles and drones at Ukraine's capital late Friday, killing two people and injuring 32, according to local authorities. The assault targeted energy infrastructure, leaving 40% of residential buildings in Kyiv and surrounding areas without heating. Ukrainian officials reported nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles were deployed, causing widespread damage to apartment complexes and civilian structures.
A BBC journalist, Anastasiya Gribanova, escaped unharmed after her high-rise building was struck, with flames engulfing upper-level apartments. Poland, which shares a 530-kilometer border with Ukraine, scrambled fighter jets and air defense systems in response but confirmed no violation of its airspace.
Revised peace plan takes center stage
The meeting will focus on a new 20-point peace proposal, a scaled-down version of an earlier 28-point draft crafted by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. The initial plan was criticized as overly favorable to Russia. Zelensky has expressed optimism about the updated document, calling it a "foundational step" toward ending the war and stating it is 90% complete.
Key sticking points remain, including control of the eastern Donbas region, where Russia currently occupies about 75% of Donetsk and 99% of Luhansk. Zelensky suggested a "free economic zone" as a potential compromise, though Moscow has not responded to the offer. Russian President Vladimir Putin, quoted by state media, accused Ukraine of lacking urgency in pursuing peaceful resolutions, warning that Russia would achieve its objectives militarily if necessary.
Security guarantees and territorial concessions on the table
Zelensky is expected to press Trump for U.S. security guarantees and discuss potential territorial concessions-issues Russia has previously rejected. Trump, in an interview with Politico, asserted that Zelensky "doesn't have anything until I approve it" and predicted productive discussions with both Zelensky and Putin. He indicated plans to speak with the Russian leader "soon."
Prior to the Florida meeting, Zelensky consulted with European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who reaffirmed Kyiv's "full support" from NATO and EU allies. Zelensky framed Russia's weekend attacks as a direct response to peace efforts, stating, "This really shows that Putin doesn't want peace."
Ongoing strikes and regional tensions
Russia's defense ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted nearly 200 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, including eight over Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military reported repelling 30 drones in attacks across the north, south, and east late Saturday, with no casualties recorded. Smaller-scale missile strikes continued into Sunday, underscoring the fragile security situation as diplomatic efforts intensify.
