US President Donald Trump has touted critical comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before the anticipated meeting between the two leaders this weekend in the state of Florida, indicating that any breakthrough regarding the peace plan has to come from the US government itself.
In an interview with Politico carried on Friday, Trump said of the Ukrainian president that “he doesn’t have anything until I approve it” in relation to the plan initiated by the US in an attempt to stop the war between Ukraine and Russia. "So we'll see what he’s got," Trump said in the interview.
Also Read | US carries out air strikes against ISIS militants in Nigeria, releases video: WATCH
The summit scheduled to take place this Sunday in Florida is happening against the background of increased efforts by the US to ensure that a peace deal is implemented.
Washington steps up high-level diplomacy
Trump also told Politico that he would be meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon and as much as I want,” typifying his administration’s open approach in dealing with both parties in the conflict. This is as talks relating to a 20-point peace plan and a deal on a security guarantee arrangement are said to be near culmination.
Reportedly, territorial disputes are currently the biggest challenge in the negotiations, and these are also likely to be at the forefront when Trump meets Zelensky.
Zelensky signals willingness to engage
Confirming the meeting with Trump to be held, Zelensky said: “A lot can be decided before the New Year," as US-led diplomacy gains pace to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has been Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.
Addressing journalists through a WhatsApp messaging discussion, as Reuters reported, the Ukrainian leader said, “As for the sensitive issues, we will discuss both Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. We will certainly discuss other issues as well.”
Also Read | US DOJ finds 1 million additional Epstein records amid transparency row
As Axios reported, the Ukrainian President showed willingness to submit the proposed peace plan in “20 points” led by the U.S. to a national referendum if there would be an agreed-upon 60-day ceasefire by Russia to give Ukraine time for the referendum.
Territory at the centre of peace talks
As per a report by the Hindustan Times, the Russian government continues pushing for Ukraine’s withdrawal from areas of the eastern region of Donetsk that have not been fully occupied by Russian forces. The Kremlin is seeking full control over the territory known as Donbas, which includes both Donetsk and Luhansk. However, Ukraine seeks a cessation of all hostilities along the current front lines. As a form of compromise, America has offered that if Ukraine leaves the disputed region, a free economic zone would be established, but there have been no operational details provided so far.
