Just hours ahead of his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump said that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump is set to meet Zelensky in Florida as diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war gather momentum. Trump took to Truth Social and described the call with Putin as “good” and “very productive”.
The meeting is scheduled for 11.30 pm Indian time at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. Trump said the meeting with the Ukrainian leader would be held in the main dining room at Mar-a-Lago and that members of the press were invited.
20-point peace plan central to discussion
Zelensky’s proposed 20-point peace plan is expected to be central to the talks. The framework reportedly includes provisions for Russian forces to withdraw from several occupied Ukrainian regions and outlines the creation of an estimated $800 billion international fund aimed at post-war reconstruction and recovery. While the plan involves limited concessions to Moscow, Ukrainian officials have stressed that sovereignty and security guarantees remain non-negotiable.
Sunday’s engagement marks Zelensky’s fifth visit to the United States to meet Trump. Writing on social media earlier in the day, the Ukrainian president described the period as one of intense diplomacy. “These are some of the most active diplomatic days of the year right now and a lot can be decided before the New Year,” he said.
Russia continues to attack Ukraine
The talks come against the backdrop of renewed Russian attacks. Over the weekend, Russia intensified drone and missile strikes on Kyiv, killing at least one person and injuring several others, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Zelensky said he intends to raise key issues during the meeting, including long-term security guarantees, the supply of air defence missiles and the tightening of sanctions on Russia. Ahead of his meeting with Trump, Zelensky also spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to coordinate positions with European partners.
“We discussed preparations for the meeting with President Trump, as well as all our contacts with European partners,” Zelensky said. He added that he briefed Starmer on battlefield developments and the impact of recent Russian strikes.