• Ukrainian President Zelensky seeks Trump's approval for a 20-point peace plan.
• The meeting comes as Russia intensifies missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.
• Zelensky emphasizes the need for strong security guarantees from the U.S.
• EU leaders voice unwavering support for Ukraine's peace efforts.
• Trump asserts he has veto power over any agreement reached.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to secure approval for a new 20-point proposal aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. This crucial meeting follows a series of severe Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Kyiv, which Zelensky described as Russia's response to ongoing U.S.-brokered peace efforts, aiming to undermine Ukraine's negotiations, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

During a recent stop in Canada, Zelensky expressed his hope for "very constructive" discussions with Trump, particularly following the latest Russian attacks, which he interpreted as clear evidence of Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to pursue peace. The meeting will take place at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence, marking their first in-person encounter since October. Trump remains non-committal regarding the proposed peace plan, stating, "Zelensky doesn’t have anything until I approve it," highlighting his critical role in the negotiations, according to SCMP and Reuters.

The discussions will revolve around key elements of the peace plan, which entails a potential cessation of hostilities along current front lines and might include troop withdrawals from eastern Ukraine, allowing for demilitarized buffer zones. This proposal includes Kyiv's first acknowledgment of possible territorial concessions but notably does not require withdrawal from the 20% of the eastern Donetsk region still under Ukrainian control, which is a vital demand from Russia, according to Channel News Asia and SCMP.

Security guarantees from the U.S. will be a focal point of the discussions, with Zelensky insisting that these assurances must coincide with any agreement to end the war, thereby ensuring that Russian aggression does not resume. European allies, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who met with Zelensky recently, reinforced their support, announcing fresh economic aid to bolster Ukraine's recovery post-conflict, according to Reuters and SCMP.

The urgency of these talks is underscored by the fact that the latest Russian offensive sees hundreds of drones and missiles targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine, leaving many without power during harsh winter conditions. As both leaders convene, the stakes are high, with Zelensky stressing that further aggression from Russia needs to be curtailed through robust international support, according to SCMP, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.