Zelenskyy to Meet Donald Trump in Florida to Discuss Ukraine Security Framework

The talks are expected to focus on security guarantees and a nearly finalized peace framework amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on December 28, as part of renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at shaping a potential path toward ending the war in Ukraine.

The meeting comes at a critical moment in the nearly four-year conflict, as Washington continues to push for a negotiated settlement while Kyiv and Moscow remain divided on key territorial and security issues.

What the Talks Will Focus On

According to President Zelenskyy, discussions with Mr. Trump will center on security guarantees for Ukraine, a core demand from Kyiv as any future peace arrangement takes shape.

He indicated that a 20-point framework currently under discussion is close to completion, describing it as roughly 90% ready. Ukrainian officials hope the talks will help bring clarity on Washington’s role in supporting a long-term security structure for the country.

Zelenskyy has also expressed optimism about reaching an understanding on a broader peace framework during the discussions.

Key Highlights

• Meeting scheduled for December 28 in Florida
• Focus on security guarantees and peace framework
• A 20-point plan is nearing completion
• Talks form part of a wider U.S.-led diplomatic initiative

Broader Diplomatic Context

The upcoming meeting follows recent contacts between Ukrainian leadership and senior U.S. figures, including discussions with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelenskyy described those conversations as constructive, suggesting momentum behind diplomatic engagement.

On the Russian side, Kremlin officials have acknowledged ongoing communication with U.S. representatives. Moscow has said dialogue will continue, though it has not signaled any major shift in its stated demands.

Where Russia and Ukraine Remain Divided

Despite talk of progress, major obstacles remain. Ukraine has indicated conditional openness to withdrawing troops from parts of its eastern regions if Russia agrees to reciprocal steps and international monitoring.

However, Moscow has continued to insist that Ukraine relinquish remaining territory in the Donbas region—an ultimatum Kyiv has firmly rejected. Russia currently controls most of Luhansk and a significant portion of Donetsk.

Fighting Continues on the Ground

Even as diplomatic efforts intensify, hostilities continue across multiple regions:

• Casualties were reported following aerial bomb and missile strikes in southern and central Ukraine
• Drone attacks damaged energy and port infrastructure in Mykolaiv and Odesa
• Ukraine reported striking a major Russian oil refinery in the Rostov region
• Russian authorities confirmed damage and injuries linked to the attack

Both sides have increasingly targeted infrastructure, underscoring the gap between battlefield realities and diplomatic negotiations.

Why It Matters

The planned Zelenskyy–Trump meeting signals a renewed push by Washington to influence the direction of peace talks at a time when the conflict remains deeply entrenched. Any agreement on security guarantees could shape Ukraine’s future defense posture and determine the durability of a potential ceasefire.

However, with Russia and Ukraine holding sharply different positions on territory and sovereignty, translating diplomatic discussions into tangible outcomes remains a significant challenge.

What Happens Next

Further details on the proposed peace framework are expected following the Florida talks. Observers will closely watch whether the meeting produces concrete commitments or simply keeps diplomatic channels open amid an ongoing war.