US President Donald Trump has signalled a tough stance on the Ukraine peace process. In an interview before a high-stakes meeting this weekend, Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposed peace plan carries little weight unless he personally approves it.
Zelenskyy is set to meet Trump in Florida, where he plans to present a revised peace framework aimed at ending more than three years of war with Russia. But Trump made it clear that any meaningful progress hinges on Washington’s backing.
What Trump Said About the Peace Plan?
Trump told Politico that the Ukrainian proposal “doesn’t have anything” until he signs off on it. “So we’ll see what he’s got,” the US president said, underscoring Washington’s decisive role in shaping any agreement.
Despite this strong tone, Trump expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming meetings. He said he believes talks with Zelenskyy and possibly Russian President Vladimir Putin could go well. “I think it’s going to go good with him. I think it’s going to go well with (Vladimir) Putin,” he added.
What’s in the 20-Point Peace Plan?
Zelenskyy says his latest peace proposal is about 90% complete. This 20-point plan includes setting up a demilitarised zone in eastern Ukraine and securing long-term security guarantees from the United States.
The framework also touches on potential economic partnerships and territorial arrangements, though details on concessions remain sensitive. Discussions are expected to focus on how to freeze frontlines and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty while ending the conflict.
Why Trump’s Approval Matters?
Trump’s insistence that the peace plan needs his approval reveals just how central the US remains in this conflict’s diplomatic track. With Washington heavily involved in negotiations, Kyiv’s proposals must align with US strategic interests to advance.
This stance positions Trump as a key arbiter in the talks, drawing both support and criticism from global leaders watching the peace process unfold.
What Ukraine Seeks From the Talks?
Zelenskyy has stressed that every discussion brings Kyiv closer to a desired outcome. “Every meeting and every conversation brings us closer to the desired result,” he said ahead of the trip.
Ukraine wants strong security guarantees to prevent future aggression and retain control of its territory. It is also pushing for a ceasefire and dialogue that could include referendums in contested regions if security is assured.
Russia’s Position and Global Reaction
Russia has yet to fully endorse the Ukrainian plan, with Putin sticking to hardline demands around territorial control. Moscow has been approached with the latest proposals, but its response remains cautious and guarded.
Europe and other global partners have voiced concerns over the framework’s viability, especially regarding ongoing territorial disputes. Some leaders fear that any settlement that downplays Ukraine’s sovereignty could undermine long-term peace.
What Happens Next?
The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting this Sunday will be closely watched. With the US president emphasizing his ultimate say, the talks could either boost momentum toward peace or expose deeper disagreements. Kyiv hopes to refine the plan and gain firm US support that could persuade Russia to negotiate seriously.
As the world awaits outcomes from Florida, the future of the Ukraine conflict hangs in the balance, influenced heavily by Washington’s role and Trump’s strategic calculus.
