Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is focusing on securing legally binding guarantees from the United States ahead of his Sunday meeting with President Donald Trump in Florida. Both Kyiv and Washington aim to end Russia’s nearly four-year war in Ukraine.
Overnight, Russia launched about 40 missiles and nearly 500 drones at Kyiv, leaving large parts of the capital without power and killing at least one civilian. Zelenskyy said the attacks show why Ukraine needs strong international security guarantees before considering any peace measures.
“It is very important for us that there is a signal that we want legally binding security guarantees,” Zelenskyy told reporters. “This depends primarily on President Trump. The question is what security guarantees President Trump is ready to give to Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy brought a 20-point peace plan to Florida, which includes proposals such as a demilitarized zone. He and Trump are expected to discuss the future of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the Donbas region.
On his way to Florida, Zelenskyy stopped in Halifax, Canada, to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney said a lasting peace is possible but requires Russia’s willingness to negotiate. Both leaders addressed Russia’s recent assault on Kyiv.
“The barbarism that we saw overnight shows just how important it is that we stand with Ukraine during this difficult time,” Carney said. Zelenskyy added, “This really shows that Putin doesn’t want peace.”
Trump has sounded cautious about Zelenskyy’s proposals. In a call with POLITICO, he stated, “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it. So we’ll see what he’s got.”
Zelenskyy also pushed back on Trump’s earlier call for new elections in Ukraine. He said a referendum cannot happen under current conditions due to the high risk of Russian interference. Earlier in December, Zelenskyy expressed willingness to temporarily adjust Ukrainian law banning elections during martial law, but only if U.S. and European officials could guarantee the vote’s security.
“I have always said: I am not clinging to the chair; we are ready for this,” Zelenskyy said. “I am politically ready, but we must be legally prepared so that the elections can later be recognized as legitimate. The second issue is security.”
As Kyiv continues to face heavy attacks from Russia, Zelenskyy’s visit underscores the urgency of international support and protection for Ukraine. The outcome of his discussions with Trump could shape the next phase of peace negotiations and provide a framework for future security guarantees.