Trump and Zelenskyy Set to Discuss Ukraine Amid Ongoing Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet former US President Donald Trump on Sunday in Florida to discuss efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting comes in the wake of intensified Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, raising concerns over Moscow's willingness to engage in peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy arrived in Florida on Saturday evening with a delegation to engage in discussions at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. The two leaders are expected to review a revised 20-point peace plan, addressing key issues such as the status of the eastern Donbas region, which has been a focal point of the conflict.

Vladimir Putin has insisted that Ukraine cede territory in the northern part of Donetsk oblast, a region where Russian forces have faced significant resistance. In response, Zelenskyy has proposed a demilitarised zone, suggesting that both sides withdraw from the frontline. This plan could be put to a referendum, contingent upon Russia agreeing to a ceasefire lasting between 60 and 90 days.

Despite these proposals, substantial challenges remain, particularly regarding security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression. Currently, Trump has not committed to any military support for Ukraine. The initial 28-point plan presented by the United States in November was perceived as demanding Ukrainian capitulation.

On Saturday, Zelenskyy spoke alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, describing the recent Russian aerial assault on Kyiv as a response to Ukraine's peace initiatives. He stated, "We need two things: pressure on Russia and sufficient strong support for Ukraine." The recent barrage resulted in two fatalities and left approximately half a million residents without electricity.

The upcoming talks represent a crucial moment for Zelenskyy, with the potential for diplomatic failure looming. In a recent interview, the Ukrainian president expressed confidence in his ability to navigate discussions with the unpredictable Trump, emphasising their shared democratic mandates.

Previous interactions between the two leaders have been fraught, with a particularly contentious meeting in February where both Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted Zelenskyy. However, subsequent discussions have reportedly improved, including meetings at the Vatican and the White House that involved European leaders.

Ukrainian officials have been working diligently to cultivate a positive relationship with the current US administration, which has exhibited a degree of inclination towards Russia. Zelenskyy communicated with European leaders on Saturday and indicated that they would join the discussions with Trump via video link.

The Ukrainian delegation includes Rustem Umerov, the head of the National Security and Defence Council, along with the first deputy foreign minister, Sergiy Kyslytsya, and Ukraine's new ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna. On the US side, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will also participate.

Zelenskyy has framed the meeting with Trump primarily as a bilateral discussion focused on US-Ukraine relations. Key topics are expected to include security assurances from the US and European nations, the military landscape, and a roadmap for implementing any agreements reached. Zelenskyy indicated that the 20-point plan is nearly complete, with territorial disputes being the primary sticking point.

On the same day, Russia's Defence Ministry announced that its forces had gained control of five settlements in eastern and southern Ukraine, including Myrnohrad near Pokrovsk and Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region. This announcement appears aimed at demonstrating Russian military success ahead of the talks.

Despite recent territorial gains, Russian forces have encountered setbacks, particularly in the Kharkiv region, where Ukrainian defence forces have regained control over significant areas of the city of Kupiansk. Ukrainian officials have dismissed Moscow's claims of success, asserting that their defences remain robust.

In a recent drone strike, Ukraine targeted the Syzran oil refinery in Russia's Samara region, with damage assessments ongoing. Additionally, three civilians sustained injuries from Russian drone and missile strikes in the Kharkiv area, according to Ukraine's national police.

Expectations for the Trump-Zelenskyy talks are low regarding the potential for a significant agreement. Trump recently described the upcoming meeting as “good” but did not endorse Zelenskyy’s proposals. He remarked, “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it. So we’ll see what he’s got.”

Without substantial pressure on Russia, analysts predict that the protracted conflict, which has persisted for nearly four years, is likely to continue. Yuriy Boyechko, founder of the charity Hope for Ukraine, noted, “The fundamental flaw in the current diplomatic push is the absence of the aggressor at the negotiating table.” He added, “Peace is not achieved by one side agreeing to terms with a third party; it requires the principal belligerent, Vladimir Putin, to commit to a ceasefire and withdrawal.” As long as Russia persists in its aggressive military actions, the prospect of a peaceful resolution appears remote.