While in the night between Friday and Saturday powerful explosions they shook Kiev, hit by one of the most massive Russian attacks in recent months, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky gets ready at the meeting with the president of the United States Donald Trump, confirmed for today at 19pm Italian time (11 a.m. in Florida) at the Mar-a-Lago residence. This is the seventh face-to-face meeting in eleven months, a meeting that could mark a diplomatic turning point—or a new stalemate—in the conflict.
According to Zelensky himself, the meeting with Trump will focus mainly on Security guarantees for Ukraine, a central issue in any ceasefire or peace agreement. On the eve of the summit, Zelensky delivered a clear warning in a message on X: "Strong positions are needed both on the front and in diplomacy to prevent Putin from manipulating and evading a true and just end to the war. The world has enough strength to ensure security and peace." The Ukrainian president thanked his allies for their coordination and confirmed that, after the meeting with Trump, he would continue discussions with his European partners.
Russian raids on Kiev and Odessa
On the ground, meanwhile, the war is not slowing down. In addition to Kiev, yesterday evening a Russian attack hit Odessa, causing serious damage in several residential neighborhoods.
According to the head of the regional military administration, Serhiy Lysak, more than 100 windows in seven residential buildings and three social facilities were destroyed. The area has been secured, and public services have temporarily covered the damaged windows.
Due to overloading of power lines, in some areas of the city, power lines have been activated emergency power outagesElectric transport remains out of service, while buses continue to run. A few hours earlier, a Russian drone had struck another residential area, causing a fire. Authorities say energy infrastructure has been targeted again, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without electricity and heating.
Video call with EU leaders: Trump does not participate
Today Zelensky took part in a video call with European leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Contrary to what was initially announced, Donald Trump did not attend the meeting, which instead saw the participation of the heads of the European Union, NATO, and several heads of state and government from the so-called Berlin Group.
At the end of the meeting, the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk He emphasized that there is full agreement among European allies that security guarantees for Kiev must be "crucial, specific, and reliable." The conversation, he explained, will continue after the face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Trump.
Meloni: "Unity between Europe, Kiev, and the US"
The Italian position also emerged forcefully from the phone call. In a statement from Palazzo Chigi, the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni He reiterated that "now more than ever" it is essential to maintain unity of vision between European partners, Ukraine, and the United States.
Only a united front—the Prime Minister emphasized—can make Russia face its responsibilities and push it to demonstrate a genuine willingness to sit at the negotiating table, putting an end to a conflict that has now lasted almost four years.
Von der Leyen: "Just peace, sovereignty, and territorial integrity"
The President of the European Commission is on the same line Ursula von der Leyen, which recalled the goal of a “just and lasting peace”, capable of preserving Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and strengthening its defense capabilities as an integral part of European security. Brussels, he assured, will continue to maintain high pressure on the Kremlin in 2026 and support Kiev on its path to EU accession.
Trump optimistic about peace
The Trump it is said optimistic on the possibility of ending the conflict. Interviewed by New York Post And quoted by the Russian news agency Tass, the US president declared: "Well, I think we have a good chance of doing it. I've solved eight wars, and this is the most difficult of all. But I think we can do it." According to Trump, both sides are interested in a peace agreement: "I think [Kiev] wants to do it now, and I think Russia wants to do it, too. But every time one wants to do it, the other doesn't."
Moscow's accusations
On the other side, the Kremlin is raising its voice. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Europe of being led by a “war party ready to go all the way,” while President Vladimir Putin he reiterated that if Kiev does not accept a peaceful solution, Russia will continue the military operation “by force”.
The Canadian stage and the post-war period
Before flying to the United States, Zelensky stopped in Canada, where he met the Prime Minister Mark CarneyOttawa announced new economic aid for 1,8 billion of dollars, also destined for the future reconstruction The country's history is already looking to the post-war era: according to the Ukrainian president, Ukraine's reconstruction will require between $700 and $800 billion, with a timeframe that could extend until 2040.
