Is Peace Finally Close? Trump and Zelensky to Chart War Strategy Today; Crucial Decisions Expected

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are going to sit face-to-face in Palm Beach, Florida today. This meeting, taking place amid the four-year-long Russia-Ukraine war, is being considered the most important political effort so far, because with it a new peace plan consisting of 20 points will be put on the table. 

Why is everyone's eye on Trump-Zelensky's Florida meeting?

The White House has confirmed that the meeting will take place at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The goal is to reach at least a political consensus on the draft prepared to stop the war. This is the same draft, regarding which Trump has already made it clear that “he has nothing until I approve it.” His indication is clear that the real seal of approval for this agreement will come from Washington only. 

What is at stake in the 20-point peace plan?

According to Zelensky, the 20-point plan being prepared between the US and Ukraine is “about 90 percent ready.” According to reports, this includes suggestions such as stopping the fighting on existing fronts, withdrawing troops from parts of eastern Ukraine and creating a civilian buffer zone there. In return, Ukraine wants solid security guarantees for itself, similar to Article 5 of NATO, i.e. direct military cooperation in the event of an attack. 

The most sensitive issue is the situation in Donbass and other occupied territories. It is being said on the American proposal that Ukraine may have to retreat from some areas. Zelensky has indicated that the finalized plan could also be put to a national referendum, provided a 60-day ceasefire can be reached first. 

What is Russia saying and why did the attacks intensify?

Just before the meeting, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kiev and other cities, killing several people and disrupting electricity and heating in large parts of the capital. Zelensky called it a “direct response to our peacekeeping efforts,” while Moscow says the strikes are in response to Ukrainian drone strikes.

The Russian leadership is openly expressing displeasure over the peace process. A senior State Department official recently said that Kiev had sent a “significantly changed” proposal and that no deal would be possible if the agreement went beyond the prearranged scope. 

How was Zelensky's diplomatic preparation?

Zelenskiy was busy racing through Europe and North America before arriving in Florida. In Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced billions of dollars in additional economic aid to Ukraine and described Russia's latest attacks as "barbaric." Apart from this, he also met the leaders of Germany, Finland, and other NATO countries so that in the event of any peace deal, there remains united support on the western front.

What can actually come out of this meeting?

Agreement has been reached between America and Ukraine on many points, but issues like land and security guarantees are still stuck. European countries are worried that the agreement may move too close to Russia's terms, while the people of Kiev are also uneasy about an agreement with any large territory. 

What are the chances of ending the war?

Still, after such intense talks and frequent draft changes, the Trump-Zelensky meeting is not being taken lightly. It is clear that if any framework is formed, it will not end the war immediately, but it can at least reduce the firing and open the way for the next phase of talks. Now all eyes are on how close the Florida meeting can bring what is happening on paper to the ground.