Trump Casts Doubt on Zelensky’s ‘Peace Plan,’ Reasserts US Control Over Negotiations
US president says Ukraine’s proposals carry no weight without Washington’s approval
United States, PUREWILAYAH.COM - US President Donald Trump has cast doubt on a peace plan recently proposed by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that any initiative aimed at ending the conflict with Russia cannot proceed without US authorization.
Trump made the remarks in an interview with Politico on Friday, ahead of an expected meeting with Zelensky in Florida on Sunday. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” Trump said, signaling Washington’s decisive role in determining the direction of negotiations.
Zelensky Unveils 20-Point Proposal
Earlier this week, Zelensky presented a 20-point peace framework that includes a freeze of the frontline in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions, as well as Russian withdrawals from several other territories.
The proposal also calls for extensive security guarantees for Kiev from the US, NATO, and European states, along with the maintenance of an 800,000-strong Ukrainian army. Zelensky has argued that such guarantees are necessary to prevent renewed hostilities.
Moscow Questions Viability of the Plan
Russia responded skeptically to the Ukrainian initiative. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the proposal differs fundamentally from earlier frameworks discussed between Moscow and Washington, questioning whether it can be regarded as a serious negotiating document.
Previous US-drafted proposals reportedly required Ukraine to commit to neutrality, reduce the size of its armed forces, and accept territorial concessions. Russian officials have reiterated that a sustainable settlement is only possible if Ukraine recognizes new territorial realities and commits to neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification. (PW)