Zelensky Travels to Mar‑a‑Lago for US‑Brokered Peace Negotiations Zelensky arrived in Florida on Sunday to meet Donald Trump at Mar‑a‑Lago, aiming to finalize an updated US‑brokered peace framework and separate security guarantees for Ukraine [1][2]. He told reporters the 20‑point plan is 90 % complete and hopes to have a full draft ready before the new year [2]. Trump warned that Zelensky “doesn’t have anything until I approve it” and said he expects to see the draft on Sunday [1]. The meeting follows a weekend of intensified Russian attacks on Kyiv, which Zelensky cited as proof Moscow “doesn’t want peace” [1].

Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Inflicts Casualties and Infrastructure Damage ten‑hour missile and drone barrage struck Kyiv on Friday night, killing two civilians and injuring 32, while damaging energy infrastructure and leaving many homes without heating [1]. Additional strikes hit the city Saturday, and overnight attacks on Sunday wounded at least five more residents [2]. Kyiv’s mayor said air defenses repelled many threats, but officials warned the drone and missile danger remains nationwide [2]. The sustained attacks underscore the volatility surrounding the upcoming peace talks [1][2].

Zelensky Proposes Donbas Free‑Economic Zone Amid Russian Control During the Florida talks, Zelensky floated a “free economic zone” for the Donbas region as a possible compromise if a settlement is reached [1]. Moscow currently controls roughly 75 % of Donetsk and about 99 % of Luhansk, limiting Kyiv’s leverage on territorial concessions [1]. Putin publicly stated that Russia would pursue its objectives militarily should Kyiv reject a peaceful settlement [1]. The proposal reflects Kyiv’s effort to balance territorial realities with economic incentives in the negotiation process [1].

Russia Labels US Peace Blueprint Radically Different, Signals Impasse senior Russian official described the US‑backed peace plan as “radically different” from Moscow’s own proposals, hinting at a diplomatic deadlock [2]. The Kremlin has not responded to Zelensky’s offer to withdraw troops from Donbas if Russia pulls back sufficiently [2]. Trump’s interview suggested he may soon speak with Vladimir Putin, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations [1]. These divergent positions highlight the challenges of aligning US, Ukrainian, and Russian expectations ahead of the Florida summit [1][2].