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Zelensky confirms weekend meeting with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida this Sunday to discuss a U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at ending Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine. The talks will also cover proposed U.S. security guarantees for Kyiv.
Focus of negotiations
Zelensky indicated the meeting would center on a revised 20-point peace proposal, as well as separate agreements on economic zones and military support. He described recent negotiations with Trump's envoys-special representative Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner-as productive, yielding "new ideas" to advance the process.
The White House has proposed creating a demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine, where both sides would refrain from deploying troops. Zelensky suggested Ukraine could withdraw up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the front line in Donbas if Russia reciprocates by pulling back from occupied territories.
Sticking points and security guarantees
Territorial disputes and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain the most contentious issues. The U.S. has proposed splitting the plant's energy output between Ukraine and Russia, though Moscow currently controls the facility. Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, accused Western nations of attempting to undermine diplomatic progress.
Under the latest draft, the U.S. and Europe would provide security guarantees modeled after NATO's Article 5, pledging military support if Russia renews aggression. The agreement would also cap Ukraine's military at 800,000 personnel-a demand previously made by the Kremlin.
Recent diplomatic exchanges
Zelensky confirmed receiving updates from his chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, following technical talks. He emphasized the urgency of the process, stating on social media, "We are not losing a single day."
The Kremlin confirmed ongoing discussions between Russian and U.S. officials, including a phone call between Putin's senior aide and White House representatives. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted "slow but steady progress" in negotiations but did not address Zelensky's troop withdrawal proposal.
Ongoing hostilities
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting persists. Ukrainian officials reported four deaths from Russian strikes since December 25, while Kyiv's air force claimed to have shot down 73 drones overnight. Russia stated it intercepted British Storm Shadow missiles, and Ukraine's military said it targeted oil and gas refineries in Rostov and Krasnodar.
"A lot can be decided before the new year."
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President
