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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to address territorial concerns— the main obstacle in peace negotiations— with President Donald Trump during their meeting in Florida on Sunday, as a 20-point peace plan and security assurance agreement are nearing completion.
Zelenskyy indicated that many decisions could be made before the New Year, reflecting ongoing international efforts to resolve Russia’s extensive war in Ukraine, which has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since WWII.
“We’ll discuss sensitive issues, including Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Other topics will also be on the agenda,” Zelenskyy told reporters via WhatsApp.
Russia demands Ukraine retreat from parts of the eastern Donetsk region, territories that its forces have struggled to control during nearly four years of conflict, aiming for total dominion over the Donbas, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukraine insists on halting hostilities along current front lines.
The U.S. has proposed a free economic zone in the region as a compromise if Ukraine departs from the contested area, though operational specifics remain unclear.
Territorial compromises continue to hinder negotiations. Zelenskyy emphasized that any territorial agreements should be decided through a referendum involving the Ukrainian people.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe’s largest, is situated on the frontline and under Russian control.
Zelenskyy mentioned that the meeting with Trump aims to “fine-tune” the draft agreements and discuss Ukraine’s economic prospects. He noted that a security guarantee pact with the U.S. is close to completion, and the 20-point plan is about 90% ready.
Ukraine seeks solid, legally binding security agreements to deter further Russian aggression, wary due to past assurances from allies that failed to materialize.
The White House has yet to comment publicly. Trump, who has previously expressed frustration over sluggish progress in negotiations, stated he might meet Zelenskyy if significant diplomatic breakthroughs seem achievable.
European leaders might participate remotely, Zelenskyy said, citing recent discussions about peace efforts with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Moscow’s stance on potential peace proposals remains uncertain. Kremlin Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov has communicated with U.S. officials about Moscow’s receptiveness to peace plans, but Russia’s official response remains cautious.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on U.S. proposals, citing concerns that public statements could jeopardize ongoing talks.
Recent reports suggest Putin has hinted to top Russian businessmen that he might consider exchanging certain territories in Ukraine for full control of the Donbas region.
Despite diplomatic talks, Russia persists in attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure and stepping up assaults on Odesa, Ukraine’s principal seaport region. On Friday, a Russian strike in Kharkiv killed two civilians.
Zelenskyy plans to raise with Trump the need for increased pressure on Russia to bring an end to its military campaign.
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