Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss territorial issues and security guarantees, aiming to end Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as a 20-point peace framework and a security guarantees deal are near completion, with Zelenskiy stating that “a lot can be decided before the New Year”.
Security Guarantees A Central Topic
The sensitive issues of Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant will be on the agenda, with Russia seeking full control of the Donbas region and Ukraine wanting fighting to be halted at current battle lines. The US has proposed a free economic zone as a compromise, but territorial issues remain a hurdle.
Zelenskiy emphasized that any compromises on territory should be decided by the Ukrainian people in a potential referendum. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s biggest, is located on the front line and controlled by Russian forces.
The meeting aims to refine details in the drafts and discuss potential deals on Ukraine’s economy. A security guarantees agreement between Ukraine and the US is “almost ready,” and the 20-point plan draft is at 90% completion.
Ukraine is seeking robust and legally-binding deals to prevent further Russian aggression, wary of failed guarantees from allies in the past. European leaders might join the talks online, and Zelenskiy has discussed “significant progress” in peace efforts with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb.
Russia’s demands include Ukraine withdrawing from parts of the eastern Donetsk region, and it’s unclear which peace plan proposals Moscow will accept. The Kremlin has expressed concerns that public comments could undermine negotiations.
The talks proceed amidst Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the southern region of Odesa. A Russian attack on Kharkiv killed two people on Friday, and Zelenskiy plans to raise the issue of placing additional pressure on Russia with Trump.
About the Author
