Zelenskyy Prepares for Crucial Peace Talks with Donald Trump in Florida
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is gearing up for significant peace talks with former US President Donald Trump in Florida, with a 20-point peace framework and security guarantee deal reportedly about 90% ready for discussion. The talks are expected to address key issues including territorial disputes, security guarantees, and the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, with potential resolutions aimed before the New Year.
The peace plan includes Ukraine's demand for long, legally binding security guarantees, with the US proposing a 15-year guarantee subject to renewal, designed to mirror NATO's Article 5. Territorial discussions center on the Donbas region and Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Kyiv firmly rejects recognizing any territory as Russian and seeks cessation of hostilities along current frontlines. Moscow, however, insists on withdrawal from parts of Donetsk. The US has proposed a possible free economic zone in Donetsk as a compromise, and Kyiv has indicated it could consider a referendum on the plan if Washington supports it, contingent on a 60-day ceasefire. Regarding Zaporizhzhia, currently under Russian control, a trilateral management operation involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia has been proposed. This would include Ukraine-US utilization of the plant with the US deciding on energy distribution.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Kyiv is not eager to pursue peace talks and affirmed that Russia would achieve its goals by force if necessary. Reports suggest possible territorial swaps elsewhere in Ukraine, though Putin reportedly aims for full Russian control of Donbas. Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming talks and indicated that the US is leading the peace process, with expectations for talks involving Putin soon.
Following the Florida negotiations, Zelenskyy plans to engage with European leaders to further discuss the peace process. Recently, Zelenskyy visited Canada where he met Prime Minister Mark Carney, who announced an additional $2.5 billion in economic aid for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Kyiv experienced overnight Russian air strikes resulting in at least two fatalities and more than 30 injuries, with nearly 500,000 households temporarily losing power. Russia's defense ministry described the attacks as a massive campaign targeting energy infrastructure and other key facilities. While Ukraine and other sources reported damage and casualties, Russian claims of military advances and town captures in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia have not been independently verified. In response to the attacks, Poland scrambled fighters and closed two eastern airports, though no violation of Polish airspace was reported.
