Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump are preparing for critical discussions in Florida aimed at addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine. Their meeting comes in the wake of significant Russian air attacks that struck Kyiv and other regions, raising tensions as they navigate stark differences on key issues.
On Saturday, local time, Russian forces launched hundreds of missiles and drones into Ukraine, resulting in power outages and heating disruptions in parts of the capital. Zelenskiy described these attacks as a direct response to ongoing peace negotiations facilitated by the United States.
During their meeting scheduled for March 3, 2024, Zelenskiy plans to address several pressing concerns, including the future of the contested Donbas region and the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Moscow has consistently demanded that Ukraine surrender all of Donbas, including areas still under Ukrainian control. This stance raises doubts about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept any proposals arising from the discussions.
In a recent interview, Zelenskiy expressed his intention to negotiate on a US proposal that would require Ukrainian forces to withdraw entirely from the Donbas. He indicated that, if this demand is not met, the entire 20-point plan resulting from weeks of negotiations should be put to a referendum. US officials have viewed Zelenskiy’s willingness to consider a referendum as a positive development, signaling a potential openness to territorial concessions. However, he emphasized that Russia must agree to a 60-day ceasefire to facilitate this vote.
A recent poll shows that Ukrainian voters may reject the proposed plan, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations. The meeting will take place at Trump’s residence at 1 PM local time (5 AM AEDT), following weeks of diplomatic efforts to bring both leaders together.
Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, it has gained control of approximately 12 percent of Ukraine’s territory, including about 90 percent of Donbas and significant portions of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. On December 19, 2023, Putin outlined conditions for a peace deal, demanding Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, along with a formal renouncement of its NATO aspirations.
Zelenskiy commented on the recent air attacks, stating they demonstrate Putin’s unwillingness to pursue peace. He made these remarks after a meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney underscored the need for international unity, stating, “The barbarism that we saw overnight — the attack on Kyiv — shows just how important it is that we stand with Ukraine in this difficult time.” He announced an additional $CAD 2.5 billion (approximately $A2.73 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who conversed with Zelenskiy along with other European leaders, reiterated their shared goal of achieving “a just and lasting peace” that upholds Ukrainian sovereignty and strengthens the nation’s security and defense capabilities. Following his discussions with Trump, Zelenskiy indicated he would continue his dialogue with European leaders, highlighting the ongoing international focus on the crisis in Ukraine.
