On December 28, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump are scheduled to meet in Florida on Sunday to devise a comprehensive plan aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. This high-stakes meeting comes amidst significant differences between the two leaders on critical issues, particularly in light of recent Russian air attacks targeting Ukrainian cities.
In a troubling escalation, Russia launched a series of missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine on Saturday, resulting in widespread power and heating outages across the capital. Zelenskiy condemned the attacks as a direct response to the ongoing U.S.-brokered peace initiatives, highlighting the urgent need for effective diplomatic solutions.
During the upcoming meeting at Trump's Florida residence, Zelenskiy plans to address several pivotal issues, including the fate of the contested Donbas region in eastern Ukraine and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The Ukrainian president arrived in Florida late Saturday, with Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Serhiy Kyslytsya, sharing updates on social media.
The Russian government has consistently demanded that Ukraine relinquish all claims to the Donbas region, including areas still controlled by Kyiv. This position raises concerns over whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept any agreements reached during Sunday’s discussions. Zelenskiy recently indicated a willingness to explore a U.S. proposal for a complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas, contingent upon a 60-day ceasefire to facilitate a potential referendum on the matter.
While U.S. officials have viewed Zelenskiy’s openness to a referendum as a positive development indicating potential territorial concessions, recent polls suggest that Ukrainian voters may oppose such a plan. The upcoming meeting, set for 1 p.m. (1800 GMT), comes after weeks of complex diplomatic negotiations involving European allies who have been working to outline a post-war security framework for Ukraine supported by the U.S.
Despite progress on many fronts, significant disagreements remain regarding territorial concessions. While Ukraine seeks to maintain current battle lines, Russia insists on obtaining all of Donbas. The U.S. has proposed the establishment of a free economic zone should Ukraine withdraw, but the feasibility of this proposal remains uncertain.
Zelenskiy, alongside European allies, harbors concerns that Trump could prioritize U.S. interests over Ukraine's, potentially leaving European nations to shoulder the burden of reconstruction as Russian forces continue to gain ground. Since the start of the conflict, Russia has seized approximately 12% of Ukraine's territory, including significant portions of the Donbas and other key regions.
In light of the recent air strikes, Zelenskiy emphasized the need for a united front against Russian aggression during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Carney reaffirmed Canada's commitment to Ukraine, pledging C$2.5 billion (US$1.83 billion) in additional economic aid. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed solidarity, underscoring the shared goal of achieving a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.
As Zelenskiy prepares for his critical meeting with Trump, the world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough in the ongoing conflict and a sustainable resolution that upholds Ukraine's territorial integrity.