Ukraine's President Seeks Peace Path Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Key Points:

Meeting Details:
Location: Florida
Focus: Potential peace plan for Ukraine
Timing: Critical due to intensified Russian attacks
Context:
Russian Attacks: Hundreds of missiles and drones launched at Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine
Impact: Widespread damage, power and heat outages
Zelenskiy's View: Attacks are a response to peace negotiations
Main Topics of Discussion:
Donbas Region: Future of the contested eastern region
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Future and safety concerns
Other Related Topics: Additional issues to be addressed
Differences Between Parties:
Moscow's Stance: Insists Ukraine surrender all of Donbas, including areas under Ukrainian control
Russian Objections: Doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin accepting any agreement
Zelenskiy's Proposals:
Softening U.S. Proposal: Wants to soften the proposal for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from Donbas
Referendum Option: Suggests putting the entire 20-point plan to a referendum if no agreement is reached
U.S. View: Sees willingness to hold a referendum as a positive step, indicating openness to territorial concessions
Russia's Requirement: Needs to agree to a 60-day ceasefire for Ukraine to prepare and hold a vote
Poll Results: Ukrainian voters may reject the plan

Diplomatic Efforts:
European Allies: Working on a post-war security guarantee for Ukraine supported by the U.S.
Key Issues: Unresolved, particularly regarding territories Ukraine would cede to Russia
Agreement: Kyiv and Washington have agreed on many points, with the 20-point plan 90% complete
Major Sticking Point: Territorial issue remains unresolved
Concerns:
Zelenskiy and European Allies: Fear Trump might compromise Ukraine's interests, leaving European powers to bear the financial burden
Russian Control: Currently holds about 12% of Ukraine's territory, including Crimea (annexed in 2014)
Putin's Conditions: Any peace deal should be based on his 2024 conditions, including Ukraine withdrawing from Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, and renouncing NATO aims
European Leaders' View:
War as Land Grab: Warn that if Russia succeeds in Ukraine, it may target NATO members next
20-Point Plan: Revised version of a Russian-led 28-point plan, more Ukraine-friendly after negotiations
Support for Ukraine:
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney: Pledged additional economic aid, emphasizing standing with Ukraine
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: Reaffirmed the objective of a just and lasting peace preserving Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity