Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a preliminary agreement on a meeting with former US President Donald Trump, which may take place by year-end in Florida. Zelensky shared on his Telegram channel that teams from both sides have started negotiations, with main topics set to include the war in Ukraine, military and financial support, and potential paths to peace.
According to Kyiv media, negotiations have become more concrete, though difficult issues remain regarding security guarantees, territorial control, and Russia's commitments—particularly over the future of Donbas and the annexed regions.
Meanwhile, US sources report that Russia may be open to a ceasefire before an agreement is signed, but insists on retaining control of the entire Donbas as per its administrative borders. Security guarantees discussed so far remain ambiguous, with some commentators questioning the credibility of these promises, comparing them to those given under the Budapest Memorandum.
Experts note that a true peace settlement depends not just on Trump’s stance, but fundamentally on Russia and Vladimir Putin’s position. The status of territories and guarantees remain a sticking point. No major breakthrough is expected before the New Year, yet the future Zelensky-Trump meeting may provide important signals for ongoing talks between Ukraine, the US, and other stakeholders.
