Zelensky doit s’entretenir avec Trump dimanche en Floride, fortes explosions à Kiev

Le président ukrainien Volodymyr Zelensky doit rencontrer dimanche en Floride Donald Trump pour évoquer la question sensible des territoires, dans le cadre des négociations visant à mettre fin à la guerre, sans succès concret pour l’instant.Près de quatre ans après le lancement de l’offensive à grande échelle de la Russie, l’Ukraine est bombardée quotidiennement. Une journaliste de l’AFP a entendu une série de fortes explosions à Kiev dans la nuit de vendredi à samedi alors que l’armée avait averti la population de nombreux drones et missiles menaçant plusieurs régions ukrainiennes.Les attaques de la nuit dans la capitale, qui ont notamment provoqué un incendie dans un immeuble résidentiel, ont fait au moins cinq blessés dont quatre ont été hospitalisés, selon le maire Vitali Klitschko.Les pourparlers en vue d’un règlement du conflit se sont accélérés ces dernières semaines, à la suite de la présentation d’un plan dévoilé par Donald Trump. Alors que ce document était considéré initialement par Kiev et les Européens comme trop favorable à Moscou, Volodymyr Zelensky a dévoilé cette semaine les détails d’une nouvelle mouture, retravaillée mais critiquée par Moscou, qui a accusé l’Ukraine de vouloir “torpiller” les négociations.Cette version prévoit un gel de l’actuelle ligne de front sans offrir de solution immédiate concernant les revendications territoriales de la Russie, qui occupe plus de 19% de l’Ukraine.”Nous avons un programme chargé, cela se passera pendant le week-end, je pense dimanche, en Floride, où nous aurons une réunion avec le président Trump”, a déclaré vendredi le chef de l’Etat ukrainien à des journalistes, dont ceux de l’AFP. Son cabinet a ensuite confirmé que la rencontre était “prévue” pour dimanche en Floride, où le président américain passe les fêtes de fin d’année dans sa résidence Mar-a-Lago.Selon M. Zelensky, les discussions porteront sur les “questions sensibles” du sort du Donbass, une région industrielle et minière de l’est l’Ukraine que Moscou revendique, et de la centrale nucléaire de Zaporijjia (Sud) occupée par les soldats russes.Les deux hommes évoqueront aussi les garanties de sécurité que les Occidentaux pourraient fournir à l’Ukraine dans le cadre d’un éventuel accord de paix avec la Russie, a-t-il poursuivi.”Il y a certaines questions dont nous ne pouvons discuter qu’au niveau des dirigeants”, a expliqué le président ukrainien.- Chiffon rouge -Volodymyr Zelensky “n’a rien tant que je ne donne pas mon accord”, a averti vendredi Donald Trump, dans un entretien au site internet Politico. “Je pense que ça se passera bien avec lui. Je pense que ça se passera bien avec (le président russe Vladimir) Poutine”, avec lequel il prévoit de s’entretenir “bientôt”, a-t-il relevé.La dernière version du plan américain, un document en 20 points, propose de geler les positions des deux camps sans répondre à la demande russe d’un retrait des forces ukrainiennes des quelque 20% de la région de Donetsk – métropole du Donbass – qu’elles contrôlent encore.Contrairement à la version originale rédigée par les Américains et présentée il y a plus d’un mois, le nouveau texte ne comprend plus aucune obligation juridique de non-adhésion à l’Otan pour l’Ukraine, un chiffon rouge pour Moscou qui a présenté cette question comme une des causes de la guerre.Pour ces raisons, l’accord de la Russie à ce document en l’état paraît improbable.Le nouveau texte “diffère radicalement” de ce qui avait été négocié entre Washington et Moscou, a constaté vendredi le vice-ministre russe des Affaires étrangères, Sergueï Riabkov, appelant à revenir aux ententes antérieures, faute de quoi “aucun accord ne pourra être conclu”.”Sans une résolution adéquate des problèmes qui sont à l’origine de cette crise, il sera tout simplement impossible de parvenir à un accord définitif”, a-t-il affirmé, accusant Kiev et ses alliés européens de “redoubler d’efforts pour torpiller” les tractations diplomatiques.- Les Européens se concertent -Le porte-parole du Kremlin, Dmitri Peskov, a fait savoir qu’un “contact téléphonique” avait “eu lieu” entre Russes et Américains mais a refusé d’en révéler les détails car “la diffusion de ces informations pourrait avoir un impact négatif sur le processus de négociation”.Avant sa rencontre avec Donald Trump, M. Zelensky s’est entretenu vendredi avec plusieurs dirigeants dont le chancelier allemand Friedrich Merz, aindi qu’avec le secrétaire général de l’Otan, Mark Rutte.Downing Street a de son côté fait savoir que le Premier ministre britannique Keir Starmer avait échangé vendredi après-midi avec le président français Emmanuel Macron, et M. Merz, réaffirmant leur objectif d’une “paix durable”.En attendant une percée dans les négociations, l’armée russe a accéléré ses avancées ces derniers mois. Mardi, les troupes ukrainiennes avaient dit s’être retirées de Siversk, une ville de l’est, face aux assauts ennemis. Une prise facilitant l’approche des dernières grandes cités du Donbass encore sous contrôle ukrainien, Kramatorsk et Sloviansk.Non loin du front dans le nord-est, deux personnes ont été tuées et quatre blessées vendredi dans une frappe russe sur Kharkiv, la deuxième ville d’Ukraine. 

Israël reconnaît le Somaliland comme un “Etat souverain” et indigne Mogadiscio

Israël a annoncé vendredi la reconnaissance officielle du Somaliland, une première pour cette république autoproclamée qui a fait sécession de la Somalie, suscitant l’indignation de Mogadiscio qui a dénoncé une “attaque délibérée” sur sa souveraineté. Des analystes régionaux ont estimé qu’un rapprochement avec le Somaliland, qui a déclaré unilatéralement son indépendance en 1991, pourrait permettre à …

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La Thaïlande et le Cambodge conviennent d’un cessez-le-feu immédiat

La Thaïlande et le Cambodge sont convenus samedi d’un cessez-le-feu “immédiat” dans leur conflit frontalier qui a fait en trois semaines au moins 47 morts et près d’un million de déplacés, “heureux” de cette annonce tout en restant prudents.Contraintes de dormir sous des tentes ou dans la promiscuité des centres d’hébergement d’urgence depuis la reprise des combats, le 7 décembre, les centaines de milliers de personnes évacuées de part et d’autre de la frontière contestée pourront peut-être passer le Nouvel An à la maison. “S’ils arrêtent de se battre dès maintenant, je serais très heureuse car les gens pourront rentrer chez eux”, a déclaré à l’AFP Oeum Raksmey, une déplacée cambodgienne de 22 ans. “Mais je n’ose pas encore rentrer chez moi. J’ai toujours peur. Je ne fais pas confiance aux Thaïlandais”. Une déclaration conjointe annonce l’entrée en vigueur de la trêve à 05H00 GMT et indique que “les deux parties conviennent de permettre aux civils résidant dans les zones frontalières affectées de rentrer chez eux, dans les plus brefs délais, sans obstruction et en toute sécurité et dignité”. Signé par les ministres de la Défense des deux pays, le texte évoque par ailleurs le gel des positions militaires, le déminage des zones frontalières, une coopération policière pour lutter contre la cybercriminalité et la libération par Bangkok de 18 soldats cambodgiens après 72 heures de cessez-le-feu effectif.”Ce cessez-le-feu constitue une porte vers une solution pacifique”, a commenté le ministre thaïlandais de la Défense Natthaphon Narkphanit, affirmant partager la “colère”, la “douleur” et les “inquiétudes” de sa population.Selon les derniers bilans officiels respectifs, potentiellement sous-évalués, 47 personnes ont été tuées au total au cours des dernières semaines: 26 côté thaïlandais et 21 côté cambodgien. Les deux royaumes d’Asie du Sud-Est s’opposent de longue date sur le tracé de leur frontière de 800 kilomètres, décidé pendant la période coloniale française, et s’accusent mutuellement d’avoir déclenché cette nouvelle escalade meurtrière.- “Que la paix soit rétablie” -Un premier épisode d’affrontements en juillet avait déjà fait 43 morts en cinq jours avant qu’une trêve ne soit conclue, grâce notamment à l’intervention de Donald Trump. Un accord de cessez-le-feu avait été signé dans un deuxième temps, le 26 octobre à Kuala Lumpur, en présence du président américain, mais il avait été suspendu quelques semaines plus tard par la Thaïlande après que plusieurs de ses soldats ont été blessés dans l’explosion d’une mine à la frontière. Donald Trump, qui rêve du prix Nobel de la paix, a de nouveau tenté de jouer les médiateurs cette fois-ci. Il a fait état d’une trêve le 12 décembre après avoir parlé au téléphone avec les dirigeants des deux belligérants, mais le gouvernement thaïlandais avait démenti et les hostilités ont continué. Egalement poussés par la Chine à mettre fin au conflit, la Thaïlande et le Cambodge ont finalement accepté de discuter directement après une réunion de crise lundi des ministres des Affaires étrangères de l’Association des nations d’Asie du Sud-Est (Asean). La question de la démarcation de la frontière et de la souveraineté sur plusieurs temples anciens, dont celui de Preah Vihear, classé à l’Unesco, reste toutefois entière et interroge sur la pérennité du cessez-le-feu. “Vous pouvez faire confiance à la Thaïlande. Nous respectons toujours nos accords et nos engagements. Que cette signature soit la dernière, afin que la paix soit rétablie et que notre peuple puisse rentrer chez lui”, a déclaré vendredi le Premier ministre thaïlandais Anutin Charnvirakul. Des élections législatives doivent avoir lieu le 8 février en Thaïlande. burs-sdu/vgu

Somalia, African nations denounce Israeli recognition of Somaliland

Somalia and the African Union reacted angrily Friday after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the northern region of Somaliland as an independent state.Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office last year.Israel announced Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”, prompting Somalia to call the decision a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that would undermine regional peace.Several other countries condemned Israel’s decision. The African Union (AU) rejected the move and warned that it risked “setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent”.Somaliland “remains an integral part” of Somalia, an AU member, said the pan-African body’s head Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the decision was “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords”, referring to a series of agreements brokered by US President Donald Trump in his first term that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab nations.Netanyahu had invited Abdullahi to visit, the Israeli leader’s office said.Asked by the New York Post newspaper whether the United States planned to also recognise Somaliland, Trump said “no”.”Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” he added.Hailing Israel’s decision as a “historic moment”, Abdullahi said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership”.The Palestinian Authority rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.It said on X that Israel had previously named Somaliland “as a destination for the forced displacement of our Palestinian people, particularly from the Gaza Strip”, and warned against “complicity” with such a move.In Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, crowds of people took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state, said sources.- ‘Overt interference’ -Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also condemned the move.”This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy… constitutes overt interference in Somalia’s domestic affairs”, a foreign ministry statement said.Egypt said its top diplomat had spoken with counterparts from Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, who together condemned the move and emphasised “full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia”.In a video showing Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone, the Israeli leader said that he believed the new relationship would offer economic opportunities.”I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best,” Netanyahu said.A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passports and army.But it has been diplomatically isolated since unilaterally declaring independence.- Strategic move -Israel’s regional security interests may lie behind the move.”Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis,” said the Institute for National Security Studies in a paper last month, referring to Yemen’s Iran-backed rebels.Israel repeatedly hit targets in Yemen after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, in response to Houthi attacks on Israel that the rebels said were in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.The Houthis have halted their attacks since a fragile truce began in Gaza in October.Somaliland’s lack of international recognition has hampered access to foreign loans, aid and investment, and the territory remains deeply impoverished.A deal between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland last year to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base enraged Somalia.Israel has been trying to bolster relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa.Historic agreements struck late in Trump’s first term in 2020 saw several countries including the Muslim-majority United Arab Emirates and Morocco normalise relations with Israel.But wars that have stoked Arab anger, particularly in Gaza, have hampered recent efforts to expand ties further.burs-jj/jgc/ceg/mjw

Somalia, African nations denounce Israeli recognition of Somaliland

Somalia and the African Union reacted angrily Friday after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the northern region of Somaliland as an independent state.Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office last year.Israel announced Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”, prompting Somalia to call the decision a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that would undermine regional peace.Several other countries condemned Israel’s decision. The African Union (AU) rejected the move and warned that it risked “setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent”.Somaliland “remains an integral part” of Somalia, an AU member, said the pan-African body’s head Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the decision was “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords”, referring to a series of agreements brokered by US President Donald Trump in his first term that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab nations.Netanyahu had invited Abdullahi to visit, the Israeli leader’s office said.Asked by the New York Post newspaper whether the United States planned to also recognise Somaliland, Trump said “no”.”Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” he added.Hailing Israel’s decision as a “historic moment”, Abdullahi said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership”.The Palestinian Authority rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.It said on X that Israel had previously named Somaliland “as a destination for the forced displacement of our Palestinian people, particularly from the Gaza Strip”, and warned against “complicity” with such a move.In Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, crowds of people took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state, said sources.- ‘Overt interference’ -Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also condemned the move.”This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy… constitutes overt interference in Somalia’s domestic affairs”, a foreign ministry statement said.Egypt said its top diplomat had spoken with counterparts from Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, who together condemned the move and emphasised “full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia”.In a video showing Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone, the Israeli leader said that he believed the new relationship would offer economic opportunities.”I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best,” Netanyahu said.A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passports and army.But it has been diplomatically isolated since unilaterally declaring independence.- Strategic move -Israel’s regional security interests may lie behind the move.”Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis,” said the Institute for National Security Studies in a paper last month, referring to Yemen’s Iran-backed rebels.Israel repeatedly hit targets in Yemen after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, in response to Houthi attacks on Israel that the rebels said were in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.The Houthis have halted their attacks since a fragile truce began in Gaza in October.Somaliland’s lack of international recognition has hampered access to foreign loans, aid and investment, and the territory remains deeply impoverished.A deal between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland last year to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base enraged Somalia.Israel has been trying to bolster relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa.Historic agreements struck late in Trump’s first term in 2020 saw several countries including the Muslim-majority United Arab Emirates and Morocco normalise relations with Israel.But wars that have stoked Arab anger, particularly in Gaza, have hampered recent efforts to expand ties further.burs-jj/jgc/ceg/mjw

Somalia denounces Israeli recognition of Somaliland

Somalia and the African Union reacted angrily Friday after Israel formally recognised the northern region of Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” — the first country to do so.Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has for decades pushed for international recognition, which has been the key priority for president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi since he took office last year.But a Somali foreign ministry statement warned the decision was a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that would undermine peace in the region. Several other countries also condemned Israel’s decision.The African Union said it “firmly rejects” Israel’s move, warning: “Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia…risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia”, which is a member of the AU, the pan-African body’s head, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said.Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he announced “the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state”, making Israel the first country to do so.”The declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” Netanyahu’s office said, referring to several agreements between Israel and Arab countries brokered by US President Donald Trump during his first presidency to normalise ties with Israel.It said Netanyahu had invited Abdullahi to visit.Trump, when asked by the New York Post newspaper about US recognition of Somaliland, said “no” and added: “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”Hailing Israel’s decision, Abdullahi said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership”.”This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome” he said, affirming “Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords,” he added.In Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, crowds of people took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state, said sources.- ‘Overt interference’ -Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also condemned the move.”This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy…constitutes overt interference in Somalia’s domestic affairs”, it said in a foreign ministry statement.Egypt’s foreign ministry said its top diplomat had spoken with his counterparts from Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, who together condemned the move and emphasised “full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia”.In video showing Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone, the Israeli leader said that he believed the new relationship would offer economic opportunities.”I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best,” Netanyahu said.A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden, has its own money, passports and army. But since its unilateral declaration of independence in 1991, it has grappled with decades of isolation.- Strategic -Analysts say matters of strategy were behind Israel’s drive to recognise Somaliland.”Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis,” said the Institute for National Security Studies in a paper last month, referring to Yemen’s Iran-backed rebels.Israel repeatedly hit targets in Yemen after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, in response to Houthi attacks on Israel that the rebels said were in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.The Houthis have halted their attacks since a fragile truce began in Gaza in October.Somaliland’s lack of international recognition has hampered access to foreign loans, aid and investment, and the territory remains deeply impoverished.A deal between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland last year to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base enraged Somalia.Israel has been trying to bolster relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa.Historic agreements struck late in Trump’s first term in 2020 saw several countries including Muslim-majority United Arab Emirates and Morocco normalise relations with Israel, but wars that have stoked Arab anger, particularly in Gaza, have hampered recent efforts. burs-jj/jgc/ceg

Somalia denounces Israeli recognition of Somaliland

Somalia and the African Union reacted angrily Friday after Israel formally recognised the northern region of Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” — the first country to do so.Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has for decades pushed for international recognition, which has been the key priority for president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi since he took office last year.But a Somali foreign ministry statement warned the decision was a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that would undermine peace in the region. Several other countries also condemned Israel’s decision.The African Union said it “firmly rejects” Israel’s move, warning: “Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia…risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia”, which is a member of the AU, the pan-African body’s head, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said.Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he announced “the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state”, making Israel the first country to do so.”The declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” Netanyahu’s office said, referring to several agreements between Israel and Arab countries brokered by US President Donald Trump during his first presidency to normalise ties with Israel.It said Netanyahu had invited Abdullahi to visit.Trump, when asked by the New York Post newspaper about US recognition of Somaliland, said “no” and added: “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”Hailing Israel’s decision, Abdullahi said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership”.”This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome” he said, affirming “Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords,” he added.In Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, crowds of people took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state, said sources.- ‘Overt interference’ -Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also condemned the move.”This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy…constitutes overt interference in Somalia’s domestic affairs”, it said in a foreign ministry statement.Egypt’s foreign ministry said its top diplomat had spoken with his counterparts from Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, who together condemned the move and emphasised “full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia”.In video showing Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone, the Israeli leader said that he believed the new relationship would offer economic opportunities.”I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best,” Netanyahu said.A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden, has its own money, passports and army. But since its unilateral declaration of independence in 1991, it has grappled with decades of isolation.- Strategic -Analysts say matters of strategy were behind Israel’s drive to recognise Somaliland.”Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis,” said the Institute for National Security Studies in a paper last month, referring to Yemen’s Iran-backed rebels.Israel repeatedly hit targets in Yemen after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, in response to Houthi attacks on Israel that the rebels said were in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.The Houthis have halted their attacks since a fragile truce began in Gaza in October.Somaliland’s lack of international recognition has hampered access to foreign loans, aid and investment, and the territory remains deeply impoverished.A deal between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland last year to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base enraged Somalia.Israel has been trying to bolster relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa.Historic agreements struck late in Trump’s first term in 2020 saw several countries including Muslim-majority United Arab Emirates and Morocco normalise relations with Israel, but wars that have stoked Arab anger, particularly in Gaza, have hampered recent efforts. burs-jj/jgc/ceg

Russia lashes out at Zelensky ahead of new Trump talks on Ukraine plan

Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet President Donald Trump in Florida this weekend, but Russia accused the Ukrainian president and his EU backers Friday of seeking to “torpedo” a US-brokered plan to stop the fighting.Sunday’s meeting to discuss new peace proposals comes as Trump intensifies efforts to end Europe’s worst conflict since World War II, one that has killed tens of thousands since February 2022.The 20-point plan would freeze the war on its current front line but open the door for Ukraine to pull back troops from the east, where demilitarised buffer zones could be created, according to details revealed by Zelensky this week.Ahead of the talks, AFP journalists reported several powerful explosions in Kyiv on Saturday, and authorities warned of a possible missile attack.”Explosions in the capital. Air defence forces are operating. Stay in shelters!” Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.Ukraine’s air force announced a countrywide air alert and said drones and missiles were moving over several regions including Kyiv. Zelensky’s office said earlier that a meeting with Trump is planned for Sunday in Florida, where the US leader has a home.Trump, speaking to news outlet Politico, said about Zelensky’s plan that “he doesn’t have anything until I approve it”, adding: “So we’ll see what he’s got.”Zelensky meanwhile said he held telephone talks on Friday with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and a host of other European leaders.A spokesperson for Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the leaders “reiterated their unshakeable commitment for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and the importance that talks continue to progress towards this in the coming days”.- Security guarantees -The new plan formulated with Ukraine’s input is Kyiv’s most explicit acknowledgement yet of possible territorial concessions and is very different from an initial 28-point proposal tabled by Washington last month that adhered to many of Russia’s core demands.Part of the plan includes separate US-Ukraine bilateral agreements on security guarantees, reconstruction and the economy. Zelensky said those were changing on a daily basis.”We will discuss these documents, security guarantees,” he said of Sunday’s meeting.”As for sensitive issues, we will discuss (the eastern region of) Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and we will certainly discuss other issues,” he added.Russia signalled its opposition to the plan ahead of the Florida talks.The Kremlin said Friday that foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov had held telephone talks with US officials, and deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov criticised Zelensky’s stance.- Russia accuses EU -“Our ability to make the final push and reach an agreement will depend on our own work and the political will of the other party,” Ryabkov said on Russian television.”Especially in a context where Kyiv and its sponsors — notably within the European Union, who are not in favour of an agreement — have stepped up efforts to torpedo it.”He said the proposal drawn up with Zelensky input “differs radically” from points initially drawn up by US and Russian officials in contacts this month.He said any deal had to “remain within the limits” fixed by Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin when they met in Alaska in August, or else “no accord can be reached”.Zelensky said this week there were still disagreements between Kyiv and Washington over the two core issues of territory and and the status of the Zaporizhzhia plant.Washington has pushed Ukraine to withdraw from the 20 percent of the eastern Donetsk region that it still controls — Russia’s main territorial demand.It has also proposed joint US-Ukrainian-Russian control of Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear plant, which Russia seized during the invasion.Zelensky said he could only give up more land if the Ukrainian people agree to it in a referendum, and he does not want Russian participation in the nuclear plant.Ukraine appears to have won some concessions in the new plan, which, according to Zelensky, removed a requirement for Kyiv to legally renounce its bid to join NATO as well as previous clauses on territory seized by Russia since 2014 being recognised as belonging to Moscow.But Moscow has shown little inclination to abandon its hardline territorial demands that Ukraine fully withdraw from Donbas and end efforts to join NATO.Zelensky said Ukrainian negotiators were not directly in touch with Moscow, but that the United States acted as intermediary and was awaiting Russia’s response to the latest proposal.”I think we will know their official response in the coming days,” Zelensky said.”Russia is always looking for reasons not to agree,” he added.