Trump claims final say on Ukraine peace deal “Zelensky ‘doesn’t have anything until I approve it’
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Saturday has said that any peace deal aimed to end the war between Ukraine and Russia would require his approval, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to present a new proposal during talks in Florida on Sunday.
Trump said Ukraine’s peace plan with Russia needs his approval as he prepares to meet President Zelensky in Florida for high-level talks.
He said Zelensky’s plan would carry no weight without his consent.
“He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” Trump said, adding that he would first review what Zelensky brings to the table.
Zelensky is expected to meet Trump on Sunday, where he plans to outline a 20-point peace proposal to bring an end to the conflict, which has lasted nearly four years. Ukrainian officials say the framework of the plan is almost complete, with 90% of the details finalized.
The proposed framework includes the creation of a demilitarized zone, along with discussions on security guarantees that the United States could offer Ukraine after the fighting ends.
According to Ukrainian officials, the talks will also cover sensitive political and strategic issues, including the future control and management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and territorial questions linked to the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which Russia claims.
Zelensky has said the peace plan involves four parties – Ukraine, the US, Russia and Europe – and cannot be finalised without the participation of all sides.
Trump said he was optimistic about the upcoming discussions, not only with Zelensky but also with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said he expects to speak with Putin soon and believes the talks could move the process forward.
The remarks came a day after Zelensky held discussions with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, an interaction Zelensky later described as positive.
Trump also confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be visiting him around the same time, describing a series of meetings with global leaders as a sign of renewed respect for the United States.
Zelensky has cautioned against expectations of an immediate breakthrough. He said the Florida meeting should be seen as a step toward resolving pending issues rather than a moment for a final agreement.
He said in a social media post that both sides had agreed to hold high-level talks soon, added that significant decisions could be taken before the end of the year.
