In a significant diplomatic engagement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The meeting is scheduled to take place at approximately 1:00 PM EST (18:00 GMT) and marks the first in-person discussion between the two leaders since October. During their previous encounter, Trump declined Zelenskyy’s appeal for long-range Tomahawk missiles, a key military asset for Ukraine.
The primary agenda of this meeting revolves around an updated version of a U.S.-brokered plan aimed at concluding the nearly four-year conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Moscow has yet to express support for this plan. In a concerning development, just days prior to this crucial meeting, Russia has ramped up its military operations, intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, with missile and drone strikes.
This morning, reports have surfaced indicating that Ukrainians are waking up to the sounds of sirens and air raids, particularly in areas like Kherson. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine has confirmed that a woman was injured due to what they described as “massive shelling” launched by Russian forces. This escalation in violence underscores the urgent need for effective diplomatic solutions to ensure the safety and security of Ukrainian citizens.
During the meeting, President Zelenskyy is expected to emphasize the importance of securing U.S. security guarantees to safeguard Ukraine against future Russian aggression. The discussion will likely also delve into the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the contentious control of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. This area has been a major point of contention in ongoing negotiations, with Moscow currently holding approximately 75% of the Donetsk region and nearly 99% of the neighboring Luhansk region.
In a recent closed-door meeting with Russian business leaders, President Vladimir Putin reiterated his stance that Ukraine must cede control of the entire eastern Donbas region as part of any peace agreement. Zelenskyy, who has firmly rejected any territorial concessions, has proposed the idea of establishing a “free economic zone” in the region as a potential compromise. However, Moscow continues to press for Ukraine's withdrawal from all parts of the Donbas, including areas that remain under Kyiv’s jurisdiction.
The outcome of the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting could have significant implications for the future of Ukraine, especially as the nation faces increasing military pressure from Russia. As both leaders gather to discuss these pressing issues, the global community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.