Zelensky–Trump Florida Talks Raise Hopes for Ukraine Peace Breakthrough

Diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war have intensified as President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he will meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday. The talks will focus on a US-brokered peace plan, security guarantees, and proposals related to Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.

Zelensky has suggested the creation of a demilitarised zone and a “free economic zone” in parts of eastern Ukraine, but Russia has said the proposal is “radically different” from the framework it is discussing with Washington. The Kremlin has not officially responded to Zelensky’s offer to withdraw Ukrainian troops from Donbas if Russian forces also pull back.

Meanwhile, fighting continues on the ground. Russian air strikes overnight injured at least one person in the Kyiv region, while local authorities reported fatalities and injuries in Kharkiv. Ukrainian officials said air defence systems were active and residents were urged to take shelter.

The proposed US plan reportedly includes a demilitarised zone in eastern Ukraine, Western security guarantees, maintaining Ukraine’s military strength, and arrangements over energy production from the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. However, territorial issues and control of key infrastructure remain the most contentious points.

US President Trump has expressed confidence that talks with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin will progress, while Russian officials have accused Ukraine of trying to derail negotiations. The upcoming Florida meeting is being closely watched as a potentially decisive moment in efforts to bring the nearly three-year-long war to an end.