Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, signaling a renewed push toward ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said discussions will center on a U.S.-mediated peace framework and separate proposals for American security guarantees. The talks come as diplomatic activity accelerates ahead of the new year, with multiple channels of negotiation underway.
A senior Russian official stated that the U.S. proposal differs significantly from the framework Moscow is discussing with Washington. The Kremlin has not publicly responded to Zelenskyy’s suggestion. He proposed that Ukraine withdraw troops from parts of eastern Donbas if Russian forces also pull back.
The diplomatic developments unfolded amid continued fighting. Russian air strikes hit Kyiv overnight, injuring at least five people in the capital, according to city officials. Another person was wounded in the surrounding region.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said Ukraine’s air defense systems were actively responding to the attack, while residents reported explosions across the city. Ukraine’s air force later warned that missile and drone threats remained in place nationwide into Saturday.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and currently controls large portions of eastern territory. Moscow holds roughly three-quarters of the Donetsk region and nearly all of neighboring Luhansk, together known as the Donbas.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for firm security guarantees from the United States as part of any peace agreement. Zelenskyy has also floated the idea of a demilitarized free economic zone in parts of Donbas not fully occupied by Russian forces.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Zelenskyy said a 20-point peace plan was nearing completion. “Our task is to ensure everything is fully ready,” he said, stressing that time is critical.
In a social media post, Zelenskyy said his team is moving quickly with preparations and has agreed to hold a high-level meeting with Trump. “Key decisions could be made before the new year,” he wrote.
In an interview published Friday, Trump said any agreement would require his approval. He expressed confidence about talks with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump added that he expects to speak with Putin soon. He also confirmed an upcoming visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Meanwhile, Russian officials have continued consultations with U.S. counterparts. Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev recently returned from meetings in Florida, and senior aides have since held further talks by phone.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov described recent developments as encouraging but accused Ukraine of undermining progress on the U.S. plan. He said the coming days could prove decisive, depending on political will.
Fresh violence underscored the urgency of the talks. Shortly after news of Zelenskyy’s Florida visit emerged, officials in Kharkiv reported that a Russian air strike killed two people and wounded several others.
Zelenskyy and Trump have met several times this year. An early meeting in February turned tense, but a later October meeting at the White House proved far more constructive.
Confirmation of the upcoming talks followed a Christmas Day phone call between Zelenskyy and Trump’s lead negotiators, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. Zelenskyy said the conversation produced “new ideas” and called it a positive step toward ending the war.
U.S. officials have proposed a plan that would establish a demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine, with both sides agreeing not to deploy troops there. Observers view the plan as a possible compromise that avoids immediate decisions on sovereignty and helps reduce the risk of further escalation.
