U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky holds little leverage in ongoing peace efforts without Washington’s approval, as the two leaders prepare to meet in Florida to discuss a proposed framework aimed at ending the nearly four-year Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Trump said Zelensky “doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” underscoring Washington’s central role in shaping any potential settlement. The talks are expected to focus on a newly drafted 20-point peace plan that reportedly includes the establishment of a demilitarized zone, arrangements for the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, territorial control in the Donbas region, and U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine once the conflict ends.

According to details circulating around the proposal, Zelensky has offered the creation of a demilitarized zone on the condition that Russian forces withdraw from a corresponding stretch of territory in the Donetsk region. Trump, commenting on the upcoming talks, said he was open to hearing Zelensky’s proposals and expressed optimism about discussions not only with the Ukrainian leader but also with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I think it’s going to go good with him. I think it’s going to go good with Putin,” Trump said, adding that he expects to speak with the Russian president in the near future.

The remarks highlight the extent to which Ukraine’s position may depend on persuading Trump that Kyiv is prepared to make sufficient concessions to bring the war to an end. Observers note that Trump has, at times, indicated a willingness to accommodate Russian demands if it leads to a cessation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, Zelensky has signaled openness to placing the peace plan before the Ukrainian public. He said he would be willing to submit the entire 20-point proposal to a national referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days. While emphasizing his desire to negotiate more favorable terms on territorial issues, Zelensky acknowledged that if the plan requires particularly difficult decisions, a referendum may be the most legitimate path forward.

Russia, however, has expressed reservations about the proposal. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the Ukrainian-backed 20-point plan, reportedly coordinated with the United States, differs fundamentally from the framework Moscow has been discussing with Washington. He stated that Russia and the U.S. have been working through a separate set of 27 points since early December, suggesting a significant gap remains between the positions of the parties involved.

As diplomatic activity intensifies, the divergent interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable peace plan indicate that substantial negotiations lie ahead before any agreement can be reached. (ILKHA)