Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced he will meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, as diplomatic efforts intensify to end Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine. Zelensky says discussions will focus on a US-brokered peace plan and potential US security guarantees for Ukraine.
However, Russian officials say the US proposal differs significantly from the terms Moscow has been discussing with Washington. The Kremlin has not yet responded to Zelensky’s recent indication that Ukraine may consider withdrawing troops from parts of Donbas if Russia also pulls back.
Fresh Russian Attacks Ahead of Peace Talks
Despite diplomatic movement, the conflict continues. Overnight Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, injuring at least five people in the capital, while another civilian was wounded in the surrounding region. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitaliy Klitschko, confirmed multiple explosions as Ukrainian air defences tried to repel the assault.
Ukraine’s air force later warned that missile and drone threats remain active nationwide.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and currently controls around 75% of Donetsk and 99% of Luhansk, together known as Donbas.
US Peace Plan and Demilitarised Zone Proposal
Ukraine is seeking firm US security guarantees as part of any peace settlement. Zelensky has also suggested the possibility of creating a demilitarised “free economic zone” in parts of Donbas that Russia has failed to capture militarily.
Zelensky confirmed the peace plan now consists of 20 key points and is “90% complete.” The Ukrainian leader said meeting Trump soon was critical because “a lot can be decided before the new year.”
Trump, meanwhile, told Politico that Zelensky “doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” but said he expects positive discussions with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that he hopes to speak with Putin soon.
Reports also suggest the White House proposal includes establishing a demilitarised buffer zone in eastern Ukraine, preventing both sides from positioning troops there — avoiding the immediate settlement of territorial ownership disputes.
Russia Responds While Fighting Continues
Senior Russian officials say talks with the US are progressing but accuse Ukraine of attempting to undermine negotiations. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov described 25 December 2025 as a milestone moment but warned the final outcome depends on political will from all sides.
Shortly after news of Zelensky’s Florida visit emerged, a Russian air strike hit Kharkiv, killing at least two people and injuring several others.
Key Disputes Remain, Including Donbas and Zaporizhzhia Plant
While Zelensky has said Ukraine may consider pulling troops back up to 40 km from the eastern front line, Russia would be required to do the same in occupied Donbas areas. However, territorial control remains the most difficult issue alongside the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, currently held by Russian forces.
The US proposal would reportedly see Ukraine and Russia share the plant’s energy output, though Moscow is unlikely to accept several key elements of the updated plan.
Russia continues to demand full Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas, rejecting compromise. Meanwhile, the latest proposals suggest NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine and maintaining Ukraine’s military strength at around 800,000 personnel, despite Russian objections.
Key Takeaway
Zelensky’s upcoming meeting with Trump could mark a pivotal step toward a potential peace agreement in the Russia-Ukraine war, but deep disagreements over territory, security, and control of critical infrastructure still stand in the way.
