Zelensky Says Russia ‘Doesn’t Want Peace’ Ahead of Florida Meeting with Trump

Kyiv / Florida – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet former US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to discuss the latest round of talks aimed at ending nearly four years of conflict with Russia.

The discussions will centre on an updated US-brokered peace plan, as well as proposals for US security guarantees. Moscow has yet to signal support for the new draft.

Zelensky highlighted the recent intense Russian bombardment of Kyiv as evidence that Moscow “doesn’t want peace.” The attacks over the weekend, involving drones and missiles, left two people dead and 32 others injured, with substantial damage to energy infrastructure. Local authorities said 40% of residential buildings in Kyiv and nearby districts were left without heating.

The Ukrainian president is expected to raise issues including security guarantees and territorial concessions, which Russia has previously refused to discuss. The new 20-point peace plan, a revision of the earlier 28-point draft prepared by US envoy Steve Witkoff, aims to be more balanced and is described by Zelensky as a “foundational document on ending the war.” He said the draft is currently 90% complete.

A key sticking point remains control over the eastern Donbas region, where Russia holds about 75% of Donetsk and 99% of Luhansk. Zelensky suggested that a “free economic zone” could be a potential compromise. The Kremlin has not commented on Ukraine’s offer to withdraw troops from Donbas if Russia pulls back.

Russian President Vladimir Putin maintained that Kyiv is “in no hurry to resolve this conflict peacefully,” according to TASS. He added that if Ukraine refuses diplomacy, Russia will pursue its objectives militarily.

In a separate interview, Trump stated that Zelensky “doesn’t have anything until I approve it” and indicated he expects to review the draft on Sunday. “I think it’s going to go good with him. I think it’s going to go good with Putin,” Trump added.

Zelensky also held calls with European leaders to discuss diplomatic priorities ahead of the Florida meeting. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed Kyiv has the full support of European and NATO partners.

The weekend bombardment involved almost 500 drones and 40 missiles, with Russian authorities targeting energy facilities they claimed were being used by the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. Russia said its air defence systems intercepted nearly 200 Ukrainian drones, including eight over Moscow.

The attacks prompted Poland to prepare fighter jets, radar systems, and ground-based air defence, though authorities later confirmed no violation of Polish airspace.

Photos and reports from Kyiv showed apartment buildings and homes on fire, including the high-rise residence of BBC journalist Anastasiya Gribanova, who was unharmed.

The Mar-a-Lago talks are expected to focus on finalising the peace plan and exploring potential compromises to end the conflict, though both sides remain cautious amid ongoing hostilities.