In a pivotal diplomatic move, former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are scheduled for direct talks this Sunday in Florida, aiming to find a path to end the protracted war between Russia and Ukraine.
High-Stakes Agenda for Florida Summit
The meeting, set for Sunday 28 December 2025, represents the latest step in Mr Trump's year-long push to broker a ceasefire. President Zelensky has indicated that the agenda will centre on two of the most contentious issues: security guarantees for Ukraine and the territorial status of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Mr Zelensky, who met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday en route to the US, told reporters his goal was to minimise unresolved matters with his American counterpart while firmly upholding Ukraine's non-negotiable positions.
The Delicate Balance of a Draft Peace Plan
The Ukrainian leader has revealed that a draft peace agreement, which he says is roughly 90% complete, includes a proposed US security commitment modelled on NATO's Article 5. This would mean an attack on Ukraine would trigger a collective military response from America and its allies.
However, critical details remain unresolved. The most sensitive point is expected to be territorial concessions, with Russia demanding Ukraine cede the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk—a condition Zelensky has consistently resisted. He has, however, shown openness to establishing a demilitarised zone along the eastern border with Russia.
European Stance and Russian Objections
The peace process is being closely watched and influenced by European powers. Leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron insist that any viable deal must involve NATO forces in ceasefire monitoring—a provision Russia is likely to reject.
Other European demands include allowing Ukraine to maintain a substantial peacetime military and to pursue European Union membership. Ahead of the Florida meeting, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed he would consult with the leaders of Ukraine, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and the EU on the prospects for peace.
Mounting Tensions on the Eve of Talks
The diplomatic efforts unfold against a backdrop of continued violence. Just a day before the summit, Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, killing at least one person. President Zelensky condemned the assault, stating it "really shows that Putin doesn't want peace."
As the two leaders prepare to sit down, the world awaits the outcome of a meeting that could define the next phase of a conflict nearing its fourth year. President Zelensky has expressed hope that European leaders could join discussions, either on Sunday or at a later date, to solidify a comprehensive agreement.
