Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida this weekend as part of ongoing talks to end Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

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Zelensky indicated that the Sunday meeting would focus on a US-brokered 20-point peace plan, along with discussions on security guarantees from the US.

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In parallel, the Kremlin has reported that President Vladimir Putin's senior aide has held discussions with US officials by phone, with Russia confirming its commitment to continue negotiations.

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While Russia has referred to slow but steady progress in talks, there has been no acknowledgment of Zelensky's proposal to withdraw troops from eastern Donbas in exchange for a Russian troop pullback.

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Ukraine continues to seek solid assurances from the US as part of any agreement. Zelensky hinted at the possibility of a demilitarized economic zone in parts of Donbas that have not been forcibly taken by Russia.

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On Friday, Zelensky expressed optimism about the negotiations, noting that he received updates from his chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov.

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He mentioned: We are not losing a single day. We have agreed to a high-level meeting with President Trump soon - significant progress can be made before the New Year.

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Earlier interactions between Zelensky and Trump have been tumultuous; however, the last White House meeting in October fostered a more constructive dialogue.

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This imminent meeting comes following discussions between Zelensky and Trump's key negotiators over a phone call on Christmas Day, suggesting a positive momentum in the peace process.

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The White House has proposed the creation of a demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine to avert confrontations while addressing the contentious territorial ownership issues, particularly regarding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

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As both sides prepare for the discussions, challenges remain, particularly around Russia's response to proposed territorial adjustments and military commitments, shaping the upcoming peace talks in Florida.

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