This meeting occurs amidst escalating Russian missile and drone attacks, including a substantial strike on Kyiv and other areas, which have disrupted electricity and heating services.
Zelenskyy characterized these attacks as Moscow’s reaction to ongoing US-led peace initiatives, according to news agency Reuters.
The Ukrainian leader arrived in Florida late on Saturday, December 27, along with his delegation, a visit confirmed by Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Good evening, Florida!” Kyslytsya wrote, sharing a photo of an aircraft displaying the US president’s surname.
Key agenda items: Donbas and nuclear security
Zelenskyy intends to discuss the future of the contested Donbas region, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and broader security matters during his meeting at Trump’s residence in Florida.
While Kyiv and Washington are generally aligned on several aspects of a proposed peace framework, significant differences persist regarding territorial issues.
Read more: Putin says Russia will achieve its Ukraine aims by force if Kyiv doesn’t want peace
Zelenskyy informed journalists that the draft 20-point peace plan is “90% finished,” but the situation regarding eastern Ukraine is still uncertain, as indicated by Reuters.
Moscow has consistently demanded that Ukraine surrender the entirety of the Donbas, including regions still under Kyiv’s control, a stance that Ukrainian officials oppose.
Territorial disputes and US proposals
Kyiv prefers to freeze the conflict along existing front lines, while Russia demands complete control of the Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, along with Ukraine renouncing its NATO aspirations.
As a possible compromise, the United States has proposed the idea of establishing a free economic zone if Ukraine withdraws, although specifics remain unclear, as reported by Reuters.
Zelenskyy expressed hopes of moderating a US proposal that calls for a total Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas, in an interview with Axios on Friday, December 26.
He stated that if this fails, the plan should be subjected to a referendum, contingent upon Russia agreeing to a 60-day ceasefire to facilitate preparations. Axios noted that US officials view this willingness as a “major step forward,” although recent polling suggests that Ukrainian voters may be inclined to reject the proposal.
European concerns and allied backing
European leaders remain cautious about the discussions, fearing that Ukraine might be marginalized and left financially reliant on Europe. These concerns are exacerbated by Russia’s continued territorial advances 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 remains “a just and lasting peace” that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
On Saturday, December 27, Zelenskyy also met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Carney stated that peace “requires a willing Russia” and condemned the overnight strikes as “barbarism,” pledging CAN $2.5 billion in additional support.
Zelenskyy is anticipated to update European leaders again following his meeting with Trump.
