High-Stakes Diplomacy as Zelensky and Trump Prepare Florida Talks Amid Ongoing War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed plans to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, marking another critical moment in efforts to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022.

The planned talks come as fighting continues, with Russian air strikes hitting multiple regions, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, injuring civilians and prompting officials to urge residents to seek shelter amid ongoing air defence operations.

Zelensky has said the Florida discussions will focus on a US-brokered peace framework, security guarantees for Ukraine, and separate economic proposals aimed at stabilising contested regions in the east of the country.

One major element under discussion is a proposed demilitarised zone in eastern Ukraine, where both sides would withdraw troops to avoid resolving the contentious issue of legal territorial ownership for now.

Ukraine has suggested creating a demilitarised free economic zone in parts of Donbas not fully seized by Russia, while insisting Moscow must also pull back forces from occupied industrial areas.

Russia, which currently controls most of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk, has reacted cautiously, with senior officials describing the US-backed plan as radically different from proposals discussed directly with Washington.

Despite diplomatic activity, Moscow has warned that Ukraine must withdraw entirely from Donbas or face further military action, rejecting compromises on territory and maintaining hardline negotiating positions.

Trump, meanwhile, has expressed confidence about engaging both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he expects talks with Moscow soon and signalling optimism about potential progress.

Zelensky has described recent negotiations with Trump’s chief negotiators as productive, noting that a nearly complete peace plan now includes proposed US and European security guarantees similar to Nato’s Article 5 commitments.