Trump Claims Final Say on Ukraine Peace Deal, Says Zelensky Needs His Approval
Trump Says Ukraine Peace Plan Needs His Approval as Zelensky Prepares 20-Point Proposal
Washington, Dec 27: US President Donald Trump has asserted that any peace agreement aimed at ending the Russia–Ukraine war would require his personal approval, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to present a new peace proposal during talks in Florida this weekend.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Trump said Zelensky’s proposal would have no standing without his consent. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” Trump said, adding that he would first carefully examine what the Ukrainian leader brings to the table.
Zelensky is expected to meet Trump on Sunday, where he plans to outline a 20-point peace proposal intended to bring an end to the conflict, which has stretched on for nearly four years. Ukrainian officials said the framework of the plan is almost complete, with about 90 per cent of the details finalised.
According to officials, the proposal includes the creation of a demilitarised zone and discussions on security guarantees that the United States could extend to Ukraine once hostilities end. The talks are also expected to address complex political and strategic issues, including the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and territorial questions related to the Donbas region, which is claimed by Russia.
Zelensky has said the peace initiative involves four parties Ukraine, the United States, Russia and Europe and cannot be finalised without the participation of all sides.
Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions, saying he also expects to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon and believes the talks could help advance the peace process.
His remarks came a day after Zelensky met Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, a meeting the Ukrainian leader later described as positive.
Trump also confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be visiting him around the same time, describing the series of meetings with global leaders as evidence of renewed international respect for the United States.
Zelensky, however, cautioned against expectations of an immediate breakthrough, saying the Florida talks should be viewed as a step toward resolving outstanding issues rather than a moment for a final deal. In a social media post, he said both sides had agreed to hold high level talks soon and that key decisions could be taken before the end of the year.
