Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet former US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, as discussions continue over a potential peace plan to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Zelensky aims to focus on a US-brokered peace plan, as well as separate proposals regarding US security guarantees, while Russia has indicated that the plan differs significantly from negotiations it has held with the United States.

Renewed Violence Amid Peace Talks

Despite the diplomatic efforts, Russian air strikes continued overnight in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, injuring at least five people. Another person was wounded in the Kyiv region, with explosions reported across the city as Ukraine’s air defence forces worked to repel the attacks.

Kyiv’s mayor, Vitaliy Klitschko, confirmed the air strikes, while Ukraine’s air force issued a nationwide drone and missile alert, underscoring the ongoing security challenges even as peace talks progress.

Zelensky’s Proposal

Zelensky has suggested the creation of a demilitarised “free economic zone” in eastern Donbas, where Russia has failed to seize territory by force. Under his proposal, Ukraine could pull back troops by up to 40 km (25 miles), with Russia reciprocating from areas it occupies in Donbas.

The Ukrainian leader has said the 20-point peace plan is 90% complete, emphasizing urgency in finalising negotiations before the new year.

“Our task is to make sure everything is 100% ready,” Zelensky told reporters. “We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level – with President Trump in the near future. A lot can be decided before the new year.”

Trump’s Response

Trump stated in a recent Politico interview that any Ukrainian plan would require his approval:
“He [Zelensky] doesn’t have anything until I approve it. I think it’s going to go good with him. I think it’s going to go good with [Vladimir] Putin.”

Trump also indicated that he expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would visit him in the coming days.

Russian Reaction

Russia has engaged in additional discussions with US officials after Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev returned from Florida. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov described the talks as positive but accused Ukraine of trying to “torpedo” negotiations on the US plan.

Russia currently controls roughly 75% of Donetsk and nearly 99% of Luhansk, collectively known as Donbas, and has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine withdraw completely from the region.

Security Guarantees and Energy Provisions

The latest US proposals include security guarantees modelled on NATO’s Article 5, ensuring Western military support should Russia attempt another invasion. The plan also addresses the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, proposing a shared energy agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

Ukraine aims to maintain a military of 800,000 personnel, in line with US proposals but opposed by the Kremlin, which has demanded reductions.

Continuing Challenges

While Zelensky’s visit to Florida signals progress in negotiations, key issues remain unresolved:

• Territorial disputes in Donbas
• Legal status of occupied regions
• Future control of critical infrastructure, including nuclear energy

The stakes remain high as air strikes and drone attacks continue in Kyiv and other eastern cities, highlighting the tension between ongoing military operations and diplomatic efforts.