Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to hold a critical face-to-face meeting with former US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, 28 December 2025. The summit aims to advance discussions on ending the protracted war between Russia and Ukraine, which will soon enter its fourth year.
Agenda: Security and Territory at the Forefront
President Zelensky has confirmed that the primary topics for negotiation will be security guarantees for Ukraine and the resolution of territorial issues, specifically concerning the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. The Ukrainian leader stated his intention is to minimise unresolved matters with his American counterpart while firmly respecting Ukraine's established red lines.
En route to the United States, Zelensky made a stop in Canada on Saturday, 27 December, for discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney. He told press that the draft peace plan is approximately 90% ready and includes a proposed US commitment to provide security assurances similar to NATO's Article 5. Such a guarantee would mean an attack on Ukraine would trigger a collective military response from the US and its allies.
Delicate Negotiations and Russian Aggression
However, significant hurdles remain. The most sensitive point is the potential for territorial concessions. Zelensky has consistently resisted Russian demands for Ukraine to cede the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. In a sign of ongoing hostilities, Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Kyiv just a day before the scheduled talks, killing at least one person. Zelensky condemned the assault, stating it clearly demonstrates that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in peace.
These Florida talks represent the latest step in Donald Trump's year-long push to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, having previously vowed to end the conflict on his first day in office if re-elected. On Christmas Eve, Zelensky indicated a consensus had been reached with the US on several critical issues and showed openness to establishing a demilitarised zone along Ukraine's eastern border with Russia.
European Stakes and Broader Demands
The path to peace is further complicated by European demands. Leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron insist that any viable deal must include a role for NATO forces in monitoring a ceasefire. Other European conditions involve allowing Ukraine to maintain a substantial peacetime military of 800,000 troops and supporting its bid to join the European Union.
While the US has reportedly offered unspecified security guarantees, Russia is expected to strongly oppose any NATO involvement. Ahead of the Florida meeting, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk held discussions with the leaders of Ukraine, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and the EU to assess the prospects for peace. In a separate call, Sir Keir, alongside French and German leaders, reiterated an unshakeable commitment to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
President Zelensky expressed hope that European leaders could be involved in the discussions, either on Sunday or at a later date, and mentioned his desire to also discuss an economic agreement with President Trump.
