US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the new peace initiative proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and said any deal between Ukraine and Russia would need his approval.
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky/PHOTO: EPA/EFE
In comments made exclusively to POLITICO ahead of Sunday's meeting with the Ukrainian leader, Trump said he sees himself as the final arbiter of decisions on how to resolve the conflict.
“He doesn't have anything until I approve. We'll see what he proposes.”said the American president.
The meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to take place on Sunday in Florida. According to Ukrainian sources, Zelenskiy plans to present a 20-point peace framework plan, which includes, among other things, the creation of a demilitarized zone and talks on security guarantees provided by the United States.
Trump has taken a reserved stance on the Ukrainian initiative, avoiding expressing his explicit support but saying he expects a constructive discussion. “I think the meeting will go well. And so will the one with Putin,” he said, adding that he also plans to speak with the Russian president soon.
The statements come after Zelenskiy held consultations with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the US president's son-in-law, which the Ukrainian leader described as “positive”.
At the same time, Donald Trump confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the United States that same weekend. “Zelensky and Netanyahu are coming to me. They are all coming and showing respect for our country again,” Trump said. According to NBC, Netanyahu is to brief the US president on the growing threat posed by Iran.
During the talks, Zelenskiy plans to address topics such as security guarantees, management of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and control over the Russian-claimed Donbas region. The demilitarized zone proposal involves the withdrawal of Russian troops from part of the Donetsk region, should Ukraine take a similar step.
Russia has so far shown no willingness to make concessions and demands full control of the region, highlighting the major differences between the two sides' positions. However, Trump noted that Russia's economy is under significant pressure. “Their economy is in a difficult, very difficult state”he said.
On December 24, Volodymyr Zelenskiy presented for the first time the 20 points of a possible peace agreement to end the war. According to the Ukrainian leader, the document could be subject to ratification by national referendum, in case of signing. It would also include provisions for the creation of a free economic zone in the Donetsk region and the withdrawal of Russian forces from other areas of Ukraine.
