President Volodymyr Zelensky and US counterpart Donald Trump have confirmed they will meet in Florida over the weekend to discuss a 20-point plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The White House said late Friday that the meeting was scheduled for 3 p.m. (8 p.m. GMT).
What did Trump and Zelensky say before the meeting?
Zelensky told journalists ahead of his visit to the US that the peace deal is about “90% ready”.
However, he added two important caveats. First, there were still “regional issues” to be discussed. While the Trump administration is pushing for Ukraine to agree to permanently cede some territory captured by Russia to Moscow, Zelensky has stressed that this is a red line for Ukraine.
Secondly, Zelensky expressed doubt whether Russia would agree to the plan or sit down to discuss it.
The Ukrainian president also hinted at another possible trade deal between Ukraine and the US, saying the talks would also have an “economic” element. At the beginning of the year, Trump repeatedly insulted Zelensky when the two were expected to sign an agreement giving the US access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals in the Oval Office.
Trump told Politico on Friday that he would have the final say on any peace proposal presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In an interview with news outlet Politico, Trump said of Zelensky, “He doesn’t have anything to say until I approve it.” “So we’ll see what he’s got.”
How did Putin react to the talks?
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to reporters that Russian government officials were in contact with US officials about the talks.
He simply said on this matter, “It was agreed to continue the talks.”
Moscow is pressuring Ukraine to give up its remaining territory in the Donbass region as a condition for peace.
Russian forces control most of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk, the two regions that make up Donbass.
Has Europe paid attention to the talks?
Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky said he “would like the Europeans to attend as well,” but it was too early to arrange for the participation of European leaders to meet in person.
“Without a doubt, we must find in the near future a format in which not only Ukraine and the United States are present, but Europe is also represented,” he said.
The EU has repeatedly stressed that no peace in Europe can be negotiated without European participation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would join a call with Zelensky, Trump and other officials on Saturday.
The Ukrainian President and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also signaled unity ahead of the Florida talks.
“We are coordinating our positions, and everyone in Europe must be on the same page to defend our European way of life, the independence of our states, and peace in Europe,” Zelensky wrote on X. “There must be peace.”
Merz replied at the same forum: “We stand firmly by your side. A strong, coordinated European approach is essential for peace, freedom and security. The Berlin Group stands ready to help – closely coordinated with our American partners.”
Edited by: Louis Olofse