Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump are scheduled to meet on Sunday at Trump’s residence in Florida, focusing on possible steps to end the war in Ukraine. The talks come at a moment of heightened tension, after large-scale Russian strikes targeted Kyiv and several other regions on Saturday.
Ukraine’s emergency services reported widespread disruption to electricity and heating in parts of the capital following the weekend attacks. Zelenskiy described the strikes as a message from Moscow aimed at undermining ongoing peace discussions led by the United States.
What Ukraine Wants to Put on the Table
Zelenskiy confirmed he plans to raise key issues during the Florida meeting, including:
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The status of the Donbas region, where front lines remain contested
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Safety and long-term oversight of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility
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Reconstruction planning and post-war security guarantees
A Ukrainian delegation landed in Florida late Saturday, according to the deputy foreign minister, who posted a short message welcoming the meeting while sharing an image of the presidential aircraft.
The Territorial Debate That Won’t Go Away
Despite progress on several negotiation points, the question of land control remains the largest unresolved divide. Kyiv seeks to maintain current defense lines, while Moscow continues to demand full control over Donbas territories — including areas still administered by Ukraine.
U.S. officials have previously suggested economic cooperation zones as part of a compromise, though the details of how such arrangements would operate have not been finalized.
Ceasefire First, Vote Later?
Zelenskiy has indicated openness to letting Ukrainian citizens weigh in directly if an agreement moves forward. However, he said any public vote would only be possible if both sides commit to a temporary ceasefire period, giving civilians time to prepare safely.
Recent polling in Ukraine suggests that public support for territorial concessions remains deeply uncertain, particularly among families displaced by conflict.
No April 2026 Plan Without Peace Today
Ukraine and Western allies expect a new parliamentary administration to take office in April 2026, but analysts warn that political timelines may matter less than battlefield realities. Independent policy groups believe that Sunday’s meeting is unlikely to immediately alter Russia’s military position or weaken resistance networks within Ukraine.
Allies Repeat One Core Message
Following Saturday’s strikes, Zelenskiy met briefly with Canadian leaders, who emphasized that progress toward peace requires agreement from all parties, including a cooperative Russia.
European Commission officials echoed a similar stance, stating support for a peace outcome that protects Ukraine’s autonomy and long-term stability. Zelenskiy is expected to hold additional calls with European leaders after meeting Trump.
Human Impact Still the Central Story
Since 2021, the conflict has reshaped daily life for millions of Ukrainian and Myanmar citizens alike, leaving families displaced, infrastructure damaged, and political voices fractured by war.