'He doesn't have anything until…': Donald Trump draws a line ahead of Volodymyr Zelensky meet

By Admin

27 Dec, 2025

Introduction
US President Donald Trump has drawn a sharp line ahead of his expected meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, making it clear that Washington remains firmly in control of the peace process aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia. His remarks, made just days before the leaders are set to meet in Florida, underline the power dynamics shaping the negotiations.

Trump’s Strong Message
Speaking in an interview published by Politico on Friday, Donald Trump said that President Zelensky “doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” referring to the peace plan being led by his administration. “So we’ll see what he’s got,” Trump added, signaling that any proposal from Kyiv would require US approval before moving forward. Despite the blunt tone, Trump expressed confidence that the meeting could be productive.

Planned Talks and Key Issues
Zelensky is expected to meet Trump in Florida on Sunday, with territorial issues at the center of discussions. These remain the biggest stumbling block in efforts to end Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine. According to Zelensky, sensitive topics such as Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant will be discussed, along with other unresolved matters. He has suggested that “a lot can be decided before the New Year,” highlighting the urgency behind the talks.

The 20-Point Peace Plan
The meeting comes as a Washington-led 20-point peace framework and a security guarantee deal near completion. Axios reported that Zelensky is open to putting this peace plan to a referendum in Ukraine, provided Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. This pause would allow Kyiv time to prepare for and conduct the vote, signaling a willingness to involve the Ukrainian public in any final decision.

Russia, Ukraine, and the Territorial Deadlock
Moscow is pushing for Ukraine to withdraw from parts of the eastern Donetsk region that Russian forces have not fully occupied, as it seeks complete control of the Donbas, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk. Kyiv, however, wants fighting to stop along the current battle lines. In an attempt to bridge the gap, the US has proposed the creation of a free economic zone if Ukraine leaves the area, though details on how such a zone would function have not been disclosed.

What Lies Ahead
Trump has also said he expects to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon and as much as I want,” suggesting parallel diplomatic engagement with Moscow. As the Florida meeting approaches, Trump’s comments make one thing clear: the US intends to remain the final arbiter in shaping any peace deal, while Zelensky faces pressure to align Ukraine’s position with Washington’s terms.