Less than two days before their meeting in Florida, the US President escalated his rhetoric towards his Ukrainian counterpart, saying he “has nothing for me to even agree to.”
In an interview published Friday, Trump said of the summit taking place Sunday, “The Ukrainian President has nothing for me to agree to,” adding, “So we’ll see what he has.”
Trump added that he considers himself the ultimate decision-maker in any potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, stressing that any initiative gains no value before it receives his approval.
However, the US President expressed his belief that a productive meeting with Zelenskyy is possible, and that he will speak with Putin soon when he deems it appropriate.
The summit, which will take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence where he is vacationing, will reportedly discuss territorial issues, the main obstacle in talks to end the Russian war in Ukraine.
Amended Plan
This meeting comes days after Zelenskyy revealed an amended American plan to end the conflict, which was updated following talks with Kyiv and drew criticism from Russia, which accused Ukraine of trying to sabotage negotiations.
The amended plan involves freezing the current front line without offering an immediate solution to Russian demands, which include control over territories constituting more than 19% of Ukraine.
Reportedly, Washington is pressuring Ukraine to withdraw from the remaining parts under its control in the eastern Donetsk region, estimated at about 20% of the total area, based on Russian demands in this regard.
It has also been suggested that there be joint management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest of its kind in Europe, which is now under Russian control.
German Support
Ahead of the US-Ukrainian summit, Zelenskyy received support from the German Chancellor.
Zelenskyy said in a post on the social media platform X on Friday: “We are coordinating our positions, and everyone in Europe should be on the same page in defending our European way of life, the independence of our states, and peace in Europe… Peace must prevail.”
In turn, the Chancellor responded in a post on X, saying: “We stand firmly by your side. A strong, coordinated European approach remains essential for achieving peace, freedom, and security. The group is ready to help, in close coordination with our American partners.”
Public Referendum
On another note, Zelenskyy said Friday that his country is prepared to put the US President’s plan to a public referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least two months.
In comments to a news site, Zelenskyy expressed hope of reaching an agreement with Trump on a peace framework when they meet next Sunday.
He also confirmed his readiness for the upcoming meetings and negotiations in the United States, noting that negotiating teams have made tangible progress and accomplished much regarding the preparation of necessary security guarantees and an economic recovery and development plan.
He confirmed that most aspects of bilateral agreements are now ready, stressing that “we now have a great opportunity to stop the bloodshed and achieve a just peace.”
A US official also told the news site that Russia understands the need for a referendum if President Zelenskyy calls for one “but prefers a shorter duration,” noting that most aspects of the bilateral agreements with Washington are indeed already ready.
Sabotaging Negotiations
In contrast, Russia accused Ukraine of trying to “sabotage” negotiations on the American plan to end the war, pointing out that the new text presented by Ukraine this week is “radically different” from what was previously negotiated with the Americans.
A Russian Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed that the situation is currently closer to resolving the Ukrainian crisis and that everything now depends on the political will of the parties.
He indicated that setting artificial deadlines would not help reach an agreement on Ukraine, and that no timelines should be discussed at present.
The Russian official also warned that the danger of a nuclear conflict has not yet been removed, confirming that his country is sending messages to the United States emphasizing the need to reach “real understandings.”
White House
The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It was designed by James Hoban, its construction was completed in 1800, and it has been the home of every U.S. president since John Adams.
Florida
Florida is a southeastern U.S. state known for its extensive coastline, theme parks, and warm climate. It was first colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century, became a U.S. territory in 1821, and was admitted as the 27th state in 1845. Its history is deeply shaped by Native American cultures, European colonization, and its role as a major hub for tourism and space exploration.
Mar-a-Lago
Mar-a-Lago is a historic resort and national historic landmark in Palm Beach, Florida, originally built as a private winter residence for cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post between 1924 and 1927. The expansive estate, whose name means “Sea-to-Lake” in Spanish, is known for its distinctive Spanish and Venetian architectural styles and was later purchased in 1985 by businessman and future U.S. President Donald Trump, who converted it into a private club.
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe with a rich history dating back to the medieval state of Kyivan Rus. It has experienced periods of independence as well as incorporation into various empires, most notably the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, before regaining its sovereignty in 1991. The country is known for its diverse cultural heritage, Orthodox Christian cathedrals like Saint Sophia’s in Kyiv, and its significant agricultural lands.
Russia
Russia is the world’s largest country by area, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Its history is marked by the rule of the Tsars, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union in the 20th century, and its current status as a major global power with a rich cultural heritage in literature, music, and art.
Kyiv
Kyiv is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, traditionally considered a cradle of East Slavic civilization as the historical center of Kievan Rus’, a medieval state founded in the 9th century. It is renowned for its religious and architectural landmarks, such as the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery and Saint Sophia Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city has played a central role in the region’s political, cultural, and religious development for over a millennium.
Donetsk
Donetsk is a major industrial city in eastern Ukraine, historically known for its coal mining and steel production since its founding in 1869 by Welsh businessman John Hughes. In recent years, it has been at the center of the war in Donbas and was proclaimed the capital of the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic in 2014 following the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southeastern Ukraine is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, with construction beginning in 1980 during the Soviet era. It has been under Russian military control since March 2022, leading to significant international concern over nuclear safety and security due to its vulnerable position in an active warzone.
Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich and complex history, shaped by ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, the transformative periods of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and the profound impacts of two World Wars. Culturally, it is renowned for its diverse array of artistic movements, architectural landmarks, and philosophical traditions that have had a global influence. Its modern identity is largely defined by the political and economic integration of the European Union.
Germany
Germany is a country in Central Europe with a rich and complex history, having been a collection of states for centuries before unification in 1871. It is known for its significant cultural contributions in philosophy, music, and science, and its 20th-century history includes the Nazi era, division during the Cold War, and peaceful reunification in 1990. Today, it is a leading economic and political power within the European Union.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its modern government established by the Constitution in 1789. Its history is marked by westward expansion, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse cultural heritage, stemming from immigration, and its significant influence on global politics, economics, and popular culture.
