Zelenskyy to Discuss Security Guarantees with Trump in Florida

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida this weekend to discuss critical security guarantees for Ukraine. During a press briefing, Zelenskyy revealed that the two leaders will address a 20-point plan aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s security, which he stated is “about 90% ready.” The discussions will also touch upon an economic agreement, though Zelenskyy noted he could not confirm whether a final agreement would be reached during the meeting.

The Ukrainian leader emphasized the need to raise “territorial issues” during the talks, particularly in light of Russia’s demands for Ukraine to cede control of the remaining territories in the Donbas region. Moscow has captured most of Luhansk and approximately 70% of Donetsk, two areas that form the Donbas. Zelenskyy indicated a desire for European involvement in the discussions, but expressed skepticism about the feasibility of assembling a broader coalition quickly. “We must find some format in the near future in which not only Ukraine and the U.S. are present, but Europe is represented as well,” he said.

Recent Developments in the Conflict

The upcoming meeting is part of a broader U.S.-led diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing conflict, which has persisted since February 24, 2022. Zelenskyy’s comments followed a productive conversation with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed that Russian representatives have been in contact with U.S. officials, indicating the continuation of dialogue initiated by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev.

In recent days, Zelenskyy expressed a willingness to consider withdrawing Ukrainian troops from the eastern industrial heartland as part of a potential peace plan, contingent on a corresponding Russian withdrawal and the establishment of a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces. Despite claims from Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova of “slow but steady progress” in peace negotiations, Moscow has yet to indicate any willingness to retreat from occupied territories.

On the ground, violence continues to escalate. In Kharkiv, two individuals were killed and six others injured when a guided aerial bomb struck a busy road, igniting vehicles. Reports from the Zaporizhzhia region indicated one death and three injuries when a bomb hit a residential area, while a missile strike in Uman resulted in six injuries. Russian drone attacks in Mykolaiv left parts of the city without power, and damage was reported to energy and port infrastructure in Odesa.

In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine targeted a significant Russian oil refinery in the Rostov region with Storm Shadow missiles supplied by the U.K. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed multiple explosions at the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, stating, “The target was hit.” This move aims to disrupt Russia’s oil export revenues, crucial for sustaining its military operations in Ukraine.

As the conflict continues, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, complicating efforts for a peaceful resolution. Ukraine’s strategy includes countering Russian attacks while seeking international support to bolster its defenses and recovery efforts. The meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump may represent a pivotal moment in shaping Ukraine’s path forward in the ongoing war.