Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, just hours before his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the latter’s Florida club, briefed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on their “detailed phone call” and updated him on preparations for the Trump meeting. Earlier, Trump held what he described as a “productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the Florida talks.Zelenskyy informed Starmer about the frontline situation and the latest Russian strikes.“We discussed preparations for the meeting with President Trump, as well as all our contacts with European partners,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “I informed him on the situation on the frontline and on the consequences of Russian strikes.”
Here are the top developments on Trump-Zelenskyy meet –
- A Downing Street spokesperson said UK PM Starmer reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine and its commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace.
- Meanwhile, Trump’s call with Putin came as part of what is being viewed as an effort to negotiate a possible peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. However, the Kremlin said the US and Russia agreed that a ceasefire “would only prolong the conflict.”
- “I just had a very good and productive telephone call with President Putin of Russia” before the planned talks with Zelenskyy at Trump’s Florida estate at 1:00pm local time (1800 GMT), the US president said on Truth Social.
- EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa also reaffirmed that the
European Union ’s support for Ukraine “would not falter” ahead of the Florida meeting. They joined a call with Zelenskyy and several European leaders on Saturday.
- Zelenskyy also met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax the same day.
- Earlier, Zelenskyy said the coming days could be decisive for efforts to end the war, even as Russia intensified missile and drone attacks across Ukraine amid heightened diplomatic activity.
- The Florida talks will feature Zelenskyy’s “20-point peace deal proposal,” which he said is “about 90% ready.”
- His spokesperson added that Trump and Zelenskyy will call European leaders after their meeting.
While Ukraine is pushing for concrete decisions, Zelenskyy noted that outcomes would depend heavily on international partners supporting Kyiv and maintaining pressure on Moscow.Highlighting the scale of recent Russian strikes, Zelenskyy said: “This week alone, they launched over 2,100 attack drones, around 800 guided aerial bombs, and 94 missiles of various types,” targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, especially energy systems.He said Ukrainian emergency and energy teams were working around the clock to mitigate the impact.“Our repair crews, energy workers, and first responders of Ukraine’s State Emergency Service are working literally 24/7 to protect lives and restore power supply,” Zelenskyy said.
