Trump–Zelenskyy meeting: What to expect from high-stakes peace talks as Putin intensifies strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, December 28, for crucial discussions aimed at shaping a possible path to end the war in Ukraine.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of intensified Russian missile and drone attacks, including a large-scale strike on Kyiv and other regions that disrupted electricity and heating supplies.

Zelenskyy described the attacks as Moscow’s response to ongoing US-led peace efforts, as per news agency Reuters.

The Ukrainian leader arrived in Florida late on Saturday, December 27, with his delegation, a move confirmed by Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Good evening, Florida!” Kyslytsya wrote, sharing an image of an aircraft bearing the US president’s surname.

Key agenda items: Donbas and nuclear security

Zelenskyy plans to raise the future of the contested Donbas region, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and broader security issues during the meeting at Trump’s Florida residence.

While Kyiv and Washington are broadly aligned on many elements of a proposed peace framework, sharp differences remain over territorial questions.

Read more: Putin says Russia will achieve its Ukraine aims by force if Kyiv doesn't want peace

Zelenskyy told journalists that the draft 20-point peace plan is “90% finished”, but the fate of eastern Ukraine remains unresolved, as per Reuters.

Moscow has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas, including areas still under Kyiv’s control, a position Ukrainian officials reject.

Territorial disputes and US proposals

Kyiv favours freezing the conflict along current front lines, while Russia insists on full control of Donbas, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, as well as Ukraine abandoning its NATO ambitions.

As a compromise, the United States has floated the idea of a free economic zone if Ukraine withdraws, though details remain unclear, as per Reuters.

Zelenskyy said he hoped to soften a US proposal requiring a complete Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas, in an interview with Axios on Friday, December 26.

Failing that, he said the plan should be put to a referendum, provided Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire to allow preparations. Axios cited US officials as viewing this openness as a “major step forward”, though recent polling suggests Ukrainian voters may reject the proposal.

European concerns and allied backing

European leaders remain wary of the talks, fearing Ukraine could be sidelined and left financially dependent on Europe. The concerns are heightened by Russia’s continued territorial gains in 2025.

Read more: Canada PM Carney announces $2.5 billion aid for Ukraine

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated on X that the goal remained “a just and lasting peace” that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

On Saturday, December 27, Zelenskyy also met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Carney said peace “requires a willing Russia” and described the overnight strikes as “barbarism”, pledging CAN $2.5 billion in additional aid.

Zelenskyy is expected to brief European leaders again after his meeting with Trump.