Zelensky Meets Trump at Mar-a-Lago as Kyiv Endures Massive Russian Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago this Sunday for high-stakes talks aimed at ending the four-year conflict with Russia.

The meeting occurs against a backdrop of devastating Russian aerial assaults on Kyiv, which Zelensky cited as definitive proof that Vladimir Putin "doesn't want peace."

Over the weekend, Kyiv endured a 10-hour barrage of nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles, killing two people and leaving 32 injured. The strikes severely damaged energy infrastructure, leaving 40% of residential buildings in the capital without heating. Despite this, Zelensky remains optimistic about a revised 20-point peace plan—a streamlined version of an earlier draft by US envoy Steve Witkoff.

Zelensky described the document as "90% complete" and a "foundational" path to ending the war. The Florida meeting will focus on several critical, yet contentious, pillars and Control of the Donbas region remains the primary hurdle. Zelensky has floated the idea of a "free economic zone" and a mutual troop withdrawal.

Ukraine is seeking firm US and international security commitments, a move Russia has historically opposed. Donald Trump emphasized his central role in the process, stating to Politico that the plan is not final "until I approve it." Trump also noted he expects to speak with Vladimir Putin shortly.

Support for Ukraine remains firm among European allies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed that Kyiv has the "full support" of European and Nato leaders. Meanwhile, Poland placed its military on high alert during the weekend strikes, though no airspace violations were reported.

The Kremlin has maintained a rigid stance, with Putin claiming Ukraine is "in no hurry" for peace and threatening to achieve Russia’s objectives through military force if diplomatic efforts fail.