Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that he will sit down with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida over the weekend. The meeting will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine, a topic that has dominated diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year war with Russia.
20-Point Plan Near Completion
Zelenskyy told journalists that the 20-point plan under discussion is about 90 % ready. The plan, which outlines steps toward a negotiated settlement, has been a centerpiece of U.S. diplomacy in recent months. While the exact contents of the plan were not disclosed, Zelenskyy emphasized that it is close to finalization.
Economic Agreement on the Horizon
In addition to security guarantees, Zelenskyy said an economic agreement would also be on the agenda. He could not confirm whether anything would be finalized by the end of the talks. The discussion is expected to address Ukraine’s financial needs and the role of U.S. aid in rebuilding the country.
Territorial Issues to Be Raised
The Ukrainian side will raise territorial issues, including the status of areas seized by Russia in eastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine would like European involvement, though he doubted that European participation could be arranged on short notice. He stressed the need for a format in which Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe are all represented.
U.S. Diplomatic Push
The meeting is part of a broader U.S.-led diplomatic push to end the conflict. Trump has been engaging in talks with Russian officials, including U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law. Zelenskyy had a “good conversation” with them on Thursday.
Kremlin’s Response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Kremlin had already been in contact with U.S. representatives. He noted that Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev recently met with U.S. envoys in Florida, and that it was agreed to continue the dialogue. The Kremlin’s stance signals a willingness to maintain communication channels.
Ukraine’s Withdrawal Offer
Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that he would be willing to withdraw troops from Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland as part of a plan to end the war. The withdrawal would be conditional on Russia pulling back and the area becoming a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces. The offer reflects Ukraine’s desire for a cease-fire that includes a clear demilitarization.
Russian Stance on Territory
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said there had been “slow but steady progress” in the peace talks. However, Russia has given no indication that it will agree to any withdrawal from land it has seized. Moscow insists that Ukraine relinquish the remaining territory it still holds in the Donbas, an ultimatum that Ukraine has rejected.
Donbas Situation
Russia has captured most of Luhansk and about 70 % of Donetsk, the two areas that make up the Donbas. The region remains a flashpoint, with ongoing hostilities and significant civilian impact. The territorial dispute remains central to any negotiated settlement.
Recent Ground Incidents
On the ground, a guided aerial bomb hit a house in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, killing one person and wounding three others. In Uman, a missile strike wounded six people, according to local officials. These incidents underscore the continued volatility in the conflict zone.
Drone Attacks on Ukrainian Cities
Russian drone attacks on the city of Mykolaiv and its suburbs overnight into Friday left part of the city without power. Energy and port infrastructure were damaged by drones in the city of Odesa on the Black Sea. The attacks highlight Russia’s strategy to cripple Ukraine’s power grid and infrastructure.
Ukraine’s Strike on Russian Refinery
Ukraine said that it struck a major Russian oil refinery on Thursday using U.K.-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. The General Staff reported that its forces hit the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russia’s Rostov region. “Multiple explosions were recorded. The target was hit,” it wrote on Telegram. Rostov regional Governor Yuri Slyusar said that a firefighter was wounded when extinguishing the fire.
Strategic Implications
Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes on Russian refineries aim to deprive Moscow of the oil export revenue it needs to pursue its full-scale invasion. Russia, in turn, wants to cripple Ukraine’s power grid, seeking to deny civilians access to heat, light and running water. Ukrainian officials say this is an attempt to “weaponize winter.”
Key Takeaways
- Zelenskyy will meet Trump in Florida to discuss security guarantees and an economic agreement.
- The 20-point plan is 90 % ready, and territorial issues will be raised.
- Russia has captured most of Luhansk and 70 % of Donetsk, and refuses to agree to withdrawals.
The meeting marks a significant moment in the U.S. diplomatic effort to resolve the conflict. While the outcome remains uncertain, the discussions could shape the next steps toward peace, security guarantees, and a potential withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from contested areas.
Closing
As the world watches, the upcoming talks between Zelenskyy and Trump could either bring the conflict closer to an end or stall progress, depending on the willingness of both sides to compromise. The international community remains poised to observe how these negotiations unfold and whether they will translate into tangible policy changes on the ground.
