KYIV – The protracted conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen renewed intensity, marked by recent widespread attacks on Ukrainian cities. Amidst this military escalation, diplomatic discussions involving U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have gained prominent international attention, particularly following their meeting in Florida on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The juxtaposition of intensified military actions and high-stakes political dialogue underscores the complex and often contradictory dynamics shaping the future of Eastern Europe.

Renewed Hostilities and Public Frustration

Recent days have witnessed a significant uptick in hostilities, with reports indicating extensive Russian missile and drone attacks targeting infrastructure and civilian areas across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv. These assaults intensified in the days leading up to the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, with one attack on Saturday, December 27, killing at least one person and wounding dozens in Kyiv, also causing power outages for hundreds of thousands. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Russia's actions, including the use of "Kinzhals and 'shaheds'," demonstrated an unwillingness to end the war. These renewed attacks have drawn strong condemnation and further fueled the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of current military strategies and the human cost of the conflict. Social media discussions reflect a prevalent sentiment questioning the prolongation of the war, with users expressing frustration over whether leaders are intentionally extending the conflict for strategic or geopolitical reasons.

Trump and Zelenskyy Meet: Peace Deal Nearing Completion?

Amidst this volatile backdrop, Donald Trump's potential role in brokering a peace deal has become a focal point of international speculation and discussion. On Sunday, December 28, 2025, President Trump and President Zelenskyy met at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, with both leaders indicating that a peace deal to end the conflict is nearing completion. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that talks were in their "final stages" and expressed his belief that both President Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin were serious about achieving peace. Zelenskyy echoed this optimism, noting that a 20-point draft peace plan, which has been the subject of weeks of U.S.-Ukraine negotiations, was "about 90% ready".

Before the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump held a "good and very productive" phone call with President Putin lasting over an hour and indicated plans to speak with him again following his discussions with the Ukrainian leader. Key discussion points during the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting included robust security guarantees for Ukraine and the contentious issue of territorial concessions, particularly concerning the Donbas region. Zelenskyy has previously indicated a willingness to consider withdrawing Ukrainian troops from the eastern industrial heartland if Russia reciprocates and the area becomes a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces. He also stated that he is prepared to put the peace plan to a national referendum, provided a ceasefire of at least 60 days can be secured. However, Trump also reportedly stated that Zelenskyy's plan would "not have anything until I approve it," signaling his assertive role in the final agreement.

Russia's Stance and International Reactions

Despite these diplomatic efforts, Russia intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities in the days leading up to the meeting, with Moscow firmly rejecting the 20-point peace plan presented by Zelenskyy. A Kremlin adviser, Yuri Ushakov, stated that Russia views a temporary ceasefire as merely prolonging the conflict and reiterated Moscow's demand for a "bold, responsible, political decision" from Kyiv regarding the Donbas region. Ushakov also claimed that both Putin and Trump held similar views that a temporary ceasefire would only prolong the conflict. Russia has not shown signs of dropping its maximalist territorial demands, with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov dismissing Zelenskyy's plan as "radically" incompatible with frameworks Russia claims were discussed earlier.

European leaders were expected to join a joint call with Trump and Zelenskyy after their meeting to discuss the ongoing peace efforts. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also announced an additional C$2.5 billion (US$1.8 billion) in economic assistance for Ukraine during a meeting with Zelenskyy prior to his talks with Trump, condemning Russia's latest strikes as "barbarism".

Online Discourse: Polarized Views and Zelenskyy's Leadership

Online discourse surrounding these developments, particularly under hashtags like #TrumpZelenskyy, reveals a highly polarized public opinion. Some users express strong support for Zelenskyy's leadership, viewing him as a resilient figure fighting for a tense Europe and calling for continued global solidarity. Conversely, others voice criticism of Zelenskyy, linking him to conflict escalation and questioning the value of continued U.S. support, sometimes portraying it as wasteful.

The Debate: Diplomacy vs. Military Persistence

Broader calls for peace negotiations are also gaining traction, especially with reports of a potential deal being close. A significant segment of online users advocates for diplomatic solutions to end the conflict and prevent further casualties. Polls reportedly show growing public favor for diplomatic solutions in ongoing wars, emphasizing the desire to avoid escalation to larger conflicts. However, some voices continue to argue for persisting with military efforts, believing it leads to more decisive outcomes.

Critical Juncture for Resolution

The convergence of intensified military actions and high-level diplomatic maneuvering highlights the critical juncture in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. With a 20-point peace plan reportedly "90% ready" and discussions in their "final stages," the effectiveness of military strategies, the sincerity and viability of peace negotiations, and the influence of key international figures like Donald Trump remain central to determining the trajectory of the war and the prospects for a lasting resolution.