Zelenskiy to Meet Trump in Florida as Ukraine-U.S. Peace Framework Nears Completion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss key territorial issues and security guarantees as negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine enter a critical stage. Zelenskiy said that major decisions could be made before the New Year, with a 20-point peace framework reportedly 90% complete and a bilateral security guarantee agreement between Ukraine and the United States almost finalized.

Speaking to reporters, Zelenskiy emphasized that the talks would focus on resolving the most difficult elements of the conflict, particularly land disputes that have stalled progress for years. Trump, however, struck a cautious tone, telling Politico that no agreement would move forward without his approval, signaling that negotiations remain fluid despite recent momentum.

According to Zelenskiy, the United States has proposed a 15-year renewable security guarantee deal, though Kyiv is pushing for a longer and more robust commitment. Ukraine remains wary of past security assurances that failed to prevent Russian aggression and is seeking legally binding guarantees to deter future attacks. In addition to security matters, Zelenskiy said the meeting would also address potential economic cooperation and recovery initiatives.

Territorial issues remain the core challenge. Zelenskiy confirmed that discussions would include the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Russia is demanding that Ukraine withdraw from parts of Donetsk it does not fully control, while Kyiv insists on freezing the conflict along current front lines. As a compromise, the U.S. has floated the idea of a free economic zone in disputed areas, though details remain unclear.

Zelenskiy told Axios that if Washington does not support Ukraine’s firm stance on territorial integrity, he may submit the peace plan to a national referendum, provided Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. European leaders may join the talks virtually, highlighting the international stakes involved.

Meanwhile, Russia has signaled mixed reactions, with officials acknowledging ongoing discussions but continuing military attacks across Ukraine. Despite ongoing violence, both sides suggest that diplomatic efforts are closer than ever to a potential breakthrough, making the upcoming Trump-Zelenskiy meeting a pivotal moment in the conflict.