Speaking after the talks, Zelenskiy said the framework for security guarantees for Ukraine had been finalised, marking a key step forward in negotiations that Kyiv sees as essential to any lasting peace. However, he stressed that territorial integrity remains the most sensitive and unresolved issue, underscoring the deep divisions that still exist between the warring sides.

Zelenskiy also announced that negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States are set to hold trilateral talks for the first time in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday. He framed the meetings as a positive development and a potential breakthrough, as direct engagement among all three parties has been limited since the conflict began.

Alongside security discussions, Zelenskiy said an agreement on Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery is close to completion. Such a deal would be a cornerstone of Kyiv’s strategy to rebuild infrastructure and revive growth after years of devastation, while also countering earlier peace proposals that Ukrainian officials believe leaned too heavily in Moscow’s favour.

Both leaders struck an optimistic tone after their meeting. Trump told reporters the discussion with Zelenskiy had been good and described the peace process as ongoing, while reiterating his belief that the war must end. He confirmed that U.S. envoys were travelling to Moscow to continue talks, adding to a flurry of high-level diplomatic activity.

Zelenskiy, who has made security guarantees a precondition for broader negotiations, said earlier this week that he would only attend Davos if agreements with Washington could be reached. Ukraine continues to face an energy crisis at home after repeated Russian air strikes damaged power and heating infrastructure, leaving millions without basic services during winter.

The Ukrainian leader accused Russia of attempting to freeze civilians into submission through sustained attacks on energy facilities, describing the strategy as a form of warfare against the population. He questioned why Russian President Vladimir Putin had not yet faced accountability, drawing comparisons with other international cases pursued by the United States.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said progress was being made in peace talks after meeting Ukrainian and Russian officials in Davos. He added that if all sides genuinely wanted a solution, an agreement was achievable, echoing cautious optimism among diplomats observing the process.

Witkoff and fellow U.S. envoy Jared Kushner were expected to meet Putin in Moscow later on Thursday, before heading to Abu Dhabi for further discussions. The talks are set to include military-level contacts and debate over a broader economic package linked to a potential settlement.

Russia has reacted cautiously to the U.S.-led initiative, maintaining demands that Ukraine cede parts of eastern territory, including areas Moscow has struggled to fully control militarily. Putin has said discussions would include reconstruction of occupied regions and proposals for new international peace mechanisms.

Financial markets responded positively to the diplomatic activity, with Ukraine’s international bonds rallying as investors grew hopeful that negotiations could lead to an end to Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. Despite the talks, fighting continued on the ground, with Russian strikes hitting several Ukrainian cities and causing civilian casualties.

The proposed agreement is viewed in Kyiv as a cornerstone of any durable settlement to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. Ukrainian leaders have consistently argued that without firm international guarantees, any ceasefire or peace deal would remain fragile and vulnerable to renewed aggression.

Zelenskiy said negotiations between Ukrainian and US envoys, supported by a broader coalition of allied nations, made significant progress during high-level meetings held in Paris this week. These talks aimed to resolve remaining disagreements within a broader peace framework being discussed with Washington.

For the first time since the war began, the United States has formally endorsed the idea of providing explicit security guarantees to Ukraine. This shift marks a notable change in Washington’s position and reflects the Trump administration’s evolving role from direct backer to mediator between Kyiv and Moscow.

According to Zelenskiy, discussions addressed several complex and sensitive issues tied to ending the war. Ukraine presented its own proposals, seeking to balance territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and long-term regional stability within the emerging framework.

The Ukrainian president also emphasized that security guarantees must be credible and enforceable, particularly as Russia continues missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He argued that continued pressure on Moscow is essential to demonstrate that future guarantees are not merely symbolic.

Under President Trump, US policy has moved toward brokering a negotiated settlement, pressing both sides to make concessions while attempting to secure a deal acceptable to international stakeholders. Washington is expected to engage directly with Russia once terms with Ukraine are finalised.

Zelenskiy acknowledged that while approximately 90 percent of the peace framework has been agreed upon, several thorny issues remain unresolved. Among them are disputes over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and Russian demands for Ukrainian territory in the east.

Ukraine has consistently rejected territorial concessions, particularly in regions Russia has failed to fully occupy despite years of fighting. Zelenskiy reiterated that Kyiv expects feedback from Washington on whether Moscow is genuinely willing to end the conflict.

Beyond security arrangements, talks have also included documents related to Ukraine’s post-war recovery and long-term economic development. These discussions are seen as critical to ensuring stability once active hostilities end.

International financial institutions estimate Ukraine’s reconstruction costs to exceed $500 billion, underscoring the scale of economic challenges ahead. The United States has expressed interest in playing a major role in rebuilding efforts and securing economic partnerships in the post-war phase.

As negotiations continue, the near-finalisation of the security guarantees document represents a significant diplomatic milestone. Its completion could redefine US–Ukraine relations and shape the future security architecture of Eastern Europe.

The talks reflect renewed diplomatic engagement aimed at ending the conflict and stabilizing the region through credible international support and coordinated leadership between Kyiv and Washington.

Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine remains fully committed to negotiations and dialogue, highlighting openness to all formats of talks that could bring an end to hostilities and reduce suffering.

He noted that security guarantees are central to Ukraine’s long-term stability, and that discussions with the United States and partner nations are focused on creating a framework that ensures deterrence and peace.

The Ukrainian leader described a potential US role as a strong reassurance, signaling confidence to citizens, investors, and international partners that Ukraine’s sovereignty and security will be protected.

Trump, speaking after recent engagements, expressed cautious optimism that an agreement could be within reach, while acknowledging that complex issues remain and require careful diplomacy.

European allies are expected to play an active role alongside US backing, reflecting a shared responsibility for peace and security on the continent.

Zelenskiy reiterated his readiness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in any setting that could advance peace, underscoring Ukraine’s commitment to diplomacy despite years of conflict.

He stressed that openness to dialogue demonstrates confidence and a forward-looking approach, aimed at securing a just and durable resolution rather than prolonging confrontation.

Recent allegations circulating around attacks on Russian sites were firmly dismissed by Ukrainian officials, who reaffirmed their focus on peace and constructive engagement rather than escalation.

International partners echoed the need for verified information and restraint, emphasizing that unfounded claims should not derail ongoing diplomatic efforts.

European leaders continue to voice support for initiatives that could stabilize the situation within weeks, provided that strong security guarantees are in place and negotiations move forward in good faith.

Poland and other regional allies have expressed optimism that coordinated international backing can help bridge gaps and encourage meaningful compromises.

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to safeguard critical infrastructure and maritime routes essential for trade, highlighting the importance of stability for regional and global economic confidence.

The ongoing diplomatic momentum reflects a broader international desire to see an end to the conflict, with renewed emphasis on cooperation, dialogue, and shared responsibility.

Zelenskiy has positioned Ukraine as a proactive partner in peacebuilding, emphasizing transparency, diplomacy, and respect for international norms.

The discussions with the United States reinforce the idea that long-term peace requires not only ceasefires, but also robust mechanisms that prevent future conflict.

By engaging openly with global leaders, Ukraine aims to transform security challenges into opportunities for stability and reconstruction.

The evolving dialogue demonstrates how diplomacy, backed by credible security assurances, can lay the groundwork for a more peaceful and predictable future.

As talks continue, international observers see cautious but genuine progress, driven by leadership willing to prioritize peace, security, and cooperation.

The meeting, to take place in Florida, reflects growing momentum around a structured peace framework that both Kyiv and Washington believe could unlock progress after years of devastating conflict.

Zelenskiy has indicated that the discussions will focus on the most sensitive and complex issues, including territorial questions and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

He expressed optimism that meaningful decisions could be reached before the New Year, underlining a sense of urgency and opportunity in the current diplomatic window.

Central to the talks is a nearly finalized 20-point peace framework, which Ukrainian officials say is close to completion and designed to provide a comprehensive roadmap toward a ceasefire.

Alongside this, a bilateral security guarantee agreement between Ukraine and the United States is also nearing readiness, signaling Washington’s continued commitment to Ukraine’s future stability.

Zelenskiy has emphasized that any discussions on territory are being approached with caution, transparency, and respect for democratic principles.

He has reiterated that decisions involving land or sovereignty must ultimately be made by the Ukrainian people, potentially through a national referendum if a ceasefire is agreed.

The Donbas region remains one of the most challenging elements of the negotiations, given its strategic importance and the heavy toll the fighting has taken on civilians and infrastructure.

Ukraine has consistently maintained that halting hostilities along current battle lines is essential to saving lives and creating space for long-term political solutions.

Another key topic expected on the agenda is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which has become a symbol of the risks the war poses beyond the battlefield.

Ensuring the plant’s safety and preventing further escalation around critical infrastructure remains a shared priority for international stakeholders.

Zelenskiy has also signaled openness to discussing economic cooperation as part of a broader peace package, viewing recovery and reconstruction as inseparable from security.

Such economic discussions could lay the groundwork for post-war rebuilding, foreign investment, and renewed regional integration once hostilities subside.

The upcoming talks follow parallel engagements between Russian and U.S. officials, suggesting intensified diplomatic activity across multiple channels.

Observers note that sustained engagement among major powers increases the likelihood of narrowing differences and identifying practical compromises.

Despite continued violence on the ground, Ukrainian leaders stress that diplomacy must move forward alongside defense efforts.

Recent attacks have reinforced the urgency of reaching an agreement that can protect civilians and stabilize frontline regions.

Zelenskiy has described the Florida meeting as an opportunity to refine existing drafts, resolve outstanding details, and assess whether conditions are right for formal agreements.

While no confirmation has been given that documents will be signed during the visit, Ukrainian officials have made clear that they are prepared for tangible outcomes.

International analysts view the talks as a potential turning point, particularly given the advanced stage of the proposed peace framework.

The involvement of top leadership on both sides underscores the seriousness with which the negotiations are being treated.

For Ukraine, the objective remains clear: a just and lasting peace that preserves sovereignty, ensures security, and enables national recovery.

For the United States, facilitating an end to the conflict aligns with broader goals of regional stability and global security.

As the meeting approaches, expectations are cautiously hopeful, with diplomats emphasizing progress over symbolism.

The coming days may prove decisive in shaping the next phase of the war and the prospects for peace in Europe.