Zelensky to Meet Trump in Florida for Talks on Ending War

Published: 27 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he will meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday for high-level talks aimed at finding a way to end Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky’s visit comes as both nations continue to explore options for peace, with a focus on a US-brokered peace plan and proposals for US security guarantees.

Zelensky’s goal for the meeting is to discuss potential diplomatic solutions, including the possibility of withdrawing Russian troops from the contested Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. He has suggested a demilitarised zone or a “free economic zone” for parts of Donbas that remain under Ukrainian control but are not yet fully captured by Russian forces. These proposals are part of his broader peace plan, which he claims is 90% complete.

However, the Kremlin’s response to the peace negotiations has been lukewarm. A senior Russian official described the US-brokered plan as “radically different” from the terms Russia has been negotiating with the United States. Moscow has not yet commented on Zelensky’s offer to pull back Ukrainian forces in exchange for a similar Russian withdrawal from Donbas.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to intensify on the ground. Overnight, Russian airstrikes targeted the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, injuring at least five people, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko. The Ukrainian air force issued a warning for continued missile and drone threats across the country, particularly in the areas of Kyiv and Kharkiv. This comes after Russian airstrikes over the weekend also killed two people in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

As the fighting rages on, Zelensky’s focus remains on achieving a ceasefire and finding a diplomatic solution that can bring peace to the region. He has emphasized the importance of having a solid plan in place before meeting with President Trump, and he hopes to secure a comprehensive agreement with the US that can finally put an end to the conflict.

President Trump, meanwhile, has expressed optimism about the potential talks. In an interview published Friday by Politico, Trump suggested that the discussions would be productive, even claiming that he expects to have a future conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump also stated that he hoped the peace negotiations would be resolved in a manner that would benefit both Ukraine and Russia, but only after his approval.

Zelensky’s visit follows a series of talks between the US and Russia, as both sides attempt to reach an agreement on a path forward. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov voiced cautious optimism, calling recent developments a “milestone” but urging continued dialogue between the US, Ukraine, and Russia to reach a final agreement. However, Ryabkov accused Ukraine of attempting to “torpedo” the US peace plan, warning that any compromise would require substantial political will from all parties involved.

In preparation for the meeting with Trump, Zelensky has been in contact with key members of Trump’s team, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The Ukrainian president described the conversations as “really good” and said they had produced “new ideas” for peace. These talks have given Zelensky hope that a viable solution could emerge before the end of the year.

One of the key proposals on the table involves establishing a demilitarised zone in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donbas, where both sides would agree to refrain from deploying troops. This could allow for a temporary resolution of the dispute over territorial ownership while further negotiations take place.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing airstrikes and casualties reported across Ukraine. As the war drags on, Zelensky’s visit to Trump represents an important step in the search for peace, though the road ahead remains uncertain. For now, all eyes will be on the Florida talks and the potential breakthrough they may offer in resolving one of the most protracted conflicts of the 21st century.