Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is planning a high-profile meeting with former United States President Donald Trump on Sunday, as diplomatic efforts intensify to explore possible solutions to end the prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine. The proposed talks come at a critical moment in the conflict, which has entered a prolonged and complex phase marked by military stalemates, mounting economic pressure, and growing calls for a negotiated settlement.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, Zelensky aims to outline Ukraine’s position on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security guarantees, while seeking greater clarity on Trump’s approach to resolving the conflict. Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he could broker an end to the war through direct negotiations, remains a central figure in global geopolitics, particularly as the United States debates its future role in the conflict.

The Russia-Ukraine war, now stretching into its fourth year, has reshaped international alliances and imposed severe humanitarian and economic costs. Ukraine continues to rely heavily on Western military and financial support, while Russia has adapted its economy and defence strategy to withstand sanctions. In this context, any diplomatic engagement involving influential global leaders is being closely watched by allies and adversaries alike.

Zelensky has consistently maintained that any peace process must respect Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders and ensure long-term security guarantees to prevent future aggression. His administration has expressed scepticism about proposals that would involve territorial concessions, arguing that such compromises could undermine global norms and embolden further military aggression elsewhere.

Trump’s position on the conflict has drawn both interest and controversy. While he has criticised the scale of US aid to Ukraine, he has also argued that his negotiation skills and relationships with world leaders could help bring the fighting to an end swiftly. Supporters view his approach as pragmatic, while critics warn that rushed negotiations could favour Moscow at Kyiv’s expense.

The planned meeting is expected to focus on potential frameworks for ceasefire talks, confidence-building measures, and the role of international mediators. While no formal agreements are anticipated, the dialogue itself signals a willingness to explore alternative diplomatic channels amid fatigue on all sides of the conflict.

International reactions to the announcement have been mixed. European leaders have emphasised that any peace talks must include Ukraine as an equal participant and align with international law. Meanwhile, Russia has stated that it remains open to negotiations but insists that “new realities” on the ground be recognised — a stance Kyiv strongly rejects.

For Ukraine, the meeting represents an opportunity to influence future US policy at a time when political uncertainty in Washington could reshape the level and nature of American involvement. For Trump, it offers a platform to reinforce his foreign-policy credentials on the global stage.

As Zelensky and Trump prepare for their discussions, the world will be watching closely to see whether the meeting can move the needle toward a negotiated end to one of the most consequential conflicts of the 21st century — or whether it will simply underscore how difficult a lasting peace remains.