U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced skepticism about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s latest peace proposal to end the war with Moscow. In an interview with Politico, Trump said Zelensky “doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” suggesting that any progress in the talks will require his blessing. The comment comes as Trump is expected to meet Zelensky in Florida.
Zelensky’s 20‑point framework, unveiled earlier this week, calls for a freeze of the front line in Russia’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions and for Moscow to withdraw from several Ukrainian territories. The plan also seeks “Article 5‑like” security guarantees from the United States, NATO and European states, and proposes an 800,000‑strong Ukrainian army backed by NATO members.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that Zelensky’s proposal is “radically different” from the 27‑point plan Russia has been developing with the United States. The initial U.S.‑drafted 28‑point version, which leaked in November, required Kyiv to cede parts of the Donbas still under Ukrainian control, pledge not to join NATO, and reduce its armed forces to 600,000.
Moscow has said a lasting settlement is possible only if Ukraine acknowledges new territorial realities and commits to neutrality, demilitarization and denazification. Meanwhile, the EU, a key backer of Ukraine, has indicated it would oppose any major concessions from Kyiv.
The U.S. proposal has been viewed as a possible foundation for future negotiations, but the divergent demands of all parties make a resolution difficult. The upcoming meeting between Trump and Zelensky is expected to be pivotal in shaping the next steps of the peace process. With the United States playing a significant role in the conflict, Trump’s approval appears essential for any advancement. The international community is watching closely, as a peaceful resolution would benefit all parties and have far‑reaching implications for the region and the world.
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