Zelensky To Meet Trump On Sunday As US President Insists On Final Say Over Peace Plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that he intends to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, in what could mark a pivotal moment in ongoing efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The meeting, reported by CNN, is being framed as part of a broader diplomatic push to finalize a peace plan that has been under negotiation for months. Zelenskyy told reporters that while the encounter could help move discussions closer to a settlement, expectations should remain tempered, as no immediate breakthrough or final agreement is likely. Instead, the focus will be on resolving as many outstanding issues as possible.

Central to these talks is a 20-point peace plan jointly developed by U.S. and Ukrainian officials. Zelenskyy revealed that the plan is already 90 per cent complete, with only a handful of unresolved points remaining.

He emphasised that discussions with Trump would revolve around securing long-term guarantees for Ukraine's security and clarifying the role of allied nations in ensuring stability once the war concludes. These guarantees are seen as critical to deterring future Russian aggression and providing Ukraine with a sustainable framework for peace.

Despite Zelenskyy's optimism, CNN noted that the White House has not yet confirmed the proposed meeting. This uncertainty underscores the delicate nature of the negotiations, which come amid renewed diplomatic activity. Kyiv has signalled a willingness to revisit issues that previously stalled talks, suggesting a more flexible approach in hopes of achieving progress.

Earlier on Friday, Zelenskyy posted on X that Ukraine and the U.S. had agreed to hold a high-level meeting soon, adding that significant decisions could be made before the New Year. "We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level - with President Trump in the near future. A lot can be decided before the New Year," he wrote.

These developments follow a series of consultations held on Thursday, during which Zelenskyy met Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. According to Zelenskyy, several documents forming part of the broader peace framework are nearly finalised, while others are already fully prepared.

The Ukrainian leader has described the 20-point draft plan as the principal framework for ending the war and rebuilding Ukraine.

Trump, however, has struck a more cautious tone. In an interview with Politico, he bluntly remarked that Zelenskyy has little leverage without Washington's backing. "He doesn't have anything until I approve it," Trump said, though he added that he believed the talks could be productive.

While predicting a constructive meeting, Trump suggested he remains unconvinced by Kyiv's proposals until he reviews them in detail. He also hinted at his intention to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, saying, "I think it's going to go good with him. I think it's going to go good with Putin."

The peace plan itself envisions Ukraine receiving firm security guarantees, but thorny issues remain unresolved. Chief among them are territorial disputes, with Moscow continuing to demand that Kyiv cede land, and the question of control over the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Both matters are expected to require further negotiation before any comprehensive settlement can be reached.