Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy embarked today for Florida, United States, to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in what Kyiv describes as a pivotal moment in diplomacy aimed at ending Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine.

High-Stakes Diplomacy at Mar-a-Lago

The meeting is scheduled for Sunday at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, where Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to dedicate intense discussions to a U.S.-brokered 20-point peace framework that Kyiv and Washington have been refining in recent weeks.

Zelenskyy and his team have described the draft plan as “90 per cent ready,” emphasizing the most sensitive issues — including security guarantees, territorial questions, and a cessation of hostilities — will be central to the talks.

Trump, for his part, has underlined that no agreement will be final without his approval, signaling that the U.S. president views this moment as decisive in shaping the future course of peace negotiations.

Key Issues on the Agenda

The discussions are expected to focus on several contentious and high-priority areas:

• Security Guarantees: Ukraine is seeking NATO-style guarantees from the United States to deter future aggression, a cornerstone of Kyiv’s position in negotiations.
• Territorial Disputes: The status of Russian-occupied regions, especially Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, is expected to be a major sticking point, with Ukraine insisting that any territorial settlement must respect its sovereignty.
• Demilitarized Zones: Proposals have been floated for neutral or demilitarized zones in contested areas, subject to reciprocal withdrawals and international monitoring.
• Economic Reconstruction and Humanitarian Aid: Beyond the battlefield, talks will address how to support Ukraine’s recovery and refugee returns should a cease-fire or peace agreement be reached.

Context of Continued Conflict

The Florida talks come against the backdrop of continued Russian military operations. Massive missile and drone strikes on Kyiv in recent days — killing and injuring civilians and disrupting critical infrastructure — have underscored the urgency and fragility of the peace process. Zelenskyy has condemned these attacks as efforts by Moscow to undermine diplomatic momentum.

International Backing and Pressure

European leaders and partners have reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine ahead of the Mar-a-Lago talks, affirming continued political and financial backing. This diplomatic unity adds weight to Kyiv’s negotiating position as it seeks robust guarantees and security arrangements.

Zelenskyy’s diplomatic tour also included a recent stop in Canada, where Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged additional financial support for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts and condemned heightened Russian aggression.

What’s at Stake

Analysts say this meeting is one of the most consequential diplomatic tests since the war began. A successful agreement could chart a path toward an end to hostilities and begin the long process of reconstruction and reconciliation. However, the lack of direct Russian involvement in the talks and its ongoing military posture raise questions about how durable any agreement might be without Moscow’s consent.