Dec 28, Kathmandu - In an effort to bring an end to nearly four years of conflict between Russia and Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this Sunday. The leaders will convene at Trump’s private club, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida, where President Trump is currently on vacation.

Zelensky has indicated that the meeting will focus on security and economic agreements, with regional issues also on the agenda. Deep disagreements persist between Moscow and Kyiv over the future of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. In recent days, Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, which is widely seen as an attempt to pressure Zelensky.

Zelensky stated on social media that Ukraine is willing to do anything to stop the war but emphasized the need for negotiations to be grounded in strength. He accused Russia of signaling a continued war despite Ukraine’s desire for peace. The U.S. and Europe have expressed support for Ukraine, asserting that a united front could help end the conflict.

Meanwhile, during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Nova Scotia, Zelensky highlighted that pressure on Russia and strong support for Ukraine are key to peace. Trudeau announced an additional aid package of 250 million Canadian dollars for Ukraine’s reconstruction and condemned Russia’s attacks on Kyiv, praising both Trump and Zelensky for creating a crucial moment for a just and lasting peace.

Recent weeks have seen significant progress in peace efforts led by American negotiators, with both sides reporting positive developments. Zelensky revealed that a 20-point peace proposal draft is approximately 90% complete.

As part of these negotiations, the U.S. has agreed to provide Ukraine with certain security guarantees similar to those extended to NATO members. Zelensky indicated that such guarantees could lead Ukraine to abandon aspirations for NATO membership in the future.

On Christmas Day, Zelensky also held discussions with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Vitzkeff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s brother-in-law. He noted that sensitive issues remain unresolved and could see decisive developments in the coming week.

Trump has dedicated much of his presidency to efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. During his 2024 election campaign, he claimed he could end the war in a single day but has recently acknowledged the process is complicated. In October, Trump urged both sides to cease fighting during a visit to the White House with Zelensky, signaling a desire to see the conflict paused.

Ahead of Sunday’s meeting, Zelensky pointed to unresolved issues such as regional questions, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and post-war reconstruction funds. Technical discussions on security guarantees and monitoring mechanisms are also expected.

Zelensky has reiterated that Ukraine has clearly conveyed its stance to the U.S., which is to be communicated to Russia. He mentioned that if Russia withdraws and the eastern regions are placed under international supervision, Ukraine is prepared to withdraw its forces.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing contact between the U.S. and Russia and that negotiations are advancing. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to demand recognition of four occupied regions and Crimea as Russian territory, a demand Ukraine has rejected.

Analysts suggest that President Trump appears somewhat receptive to Russian demands. If Ukraine agrees to some concessions in Donbas and Western powers provide economic incentives to Russia, there is a possibility of persuading Putin to end the war, according to Trump’s allies.