Peace Talks and Pressure Mount as Zelensky Heads to Florida for Key Meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed he will travel to Florida to meet US President Donald Trump, as diplomatic efforts intensify to find a path toward ending the war with Russia.

The planned talks follow a series of Russian air strikes across Ukraine, including attacks near Kyiv and in Kharkiv, which caused deaths, injuries, and renewed warnings for civilians to seek shelter.

Zelensky has explained that discussions with Trump will focus on a US-mediated peace plan, alongside separate negotiations on American security guarantees and future economic cooperation.

A central idea in the proposed framework is the creation of a demilitarised zone in eastern Ukraine, allowing both sides to pull back forces without resolving legal ownership of disputed territories.

Ukraine has suggested withdrawing its troops by up to 40 kilometres in parts of Donbas, but only if Russia agrees to make a similar withdrawal from areas it currently occupies.

Russia, which controls most of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk, has reacted sceptically, with senior officials claiming the US-backed plan differs sharply from talks held directly with Washington.

Kremlin representatives have maintained a firm stance, warning that Ukraine must leave all of Donbas or face continued military pressure with no room for territorial compromise.

Trump has publicly expressed optimism about his relationships with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, while stressing that no agreement will proceed without his approval.

Zelensky, meanwhile, has pointed to progress in negotiations, highlighting revised proposals that include US and European security guarantees inspired by Nato’s Article 5 principle.