In an interview published by Politico on 26/12, US President Donald Trump appeared unenthusiastic and not rushing to support the 20-point peace proposal put forth by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "He's going to have nothing until I approve. So we'll see what he has," President Trump said.
However, Trump believes his meeting with the Ukrainian president this weekend will be productive. "I think things with Mr. Zelensky will be good. I also think things with President Vladimir Putin will be good, I hope to speak with him soon," the US leader stated.
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US President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House on 17/12. Photo: AP
These comments are seen as a sign that Ukraine will need to convince President Trump that they have made sufficient concessions to satisfy him. Trump has repeatedly pressured Ukraine to abandon demands regarding ceasefire conditions and frequently showed impatience during negotiations.
President Zelensky is scheduled to meet President Trump in Florida on 28/12 to discuss efforts to end the conflict. The meeting follows an agreement between the US and Ukraine on a draft 20-point peace plan after the latest round of negotiations.
The draft, announced by Zelensky on 23/12, covers many issues: post-conflict territorial arrangements, security commitments Kiev desires, and a plan for Ukraine's reconstruction.
According to Zelensky, disagreements persist between Kiev and Washington regarding territorial issues and the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Despite this, Ukraine secured some concessions in the new draft, such as a cessation of hostilities at the front lines and not being required to abandon its ambition to join NATO.
Meanwhile, Russian officials have largely maintained their stance on the Ukraine issue, emphasizing that any agreement must be "within the limits" set by President Putin and President Trump at their summit in Alaska in August. Moskva continues to maintain strict conditions: Kiev must completely withdraw its forces from the Donbass region and not join NATO. Russia also seeks a ban on Western countries deploying peacekeeping troops in Ukraine.
Nguyen Tien (According to Politico, AFP, AP)
