Meeting of the Presidents of Ukraine and the USA
The meeting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump will take place on December 28 in Florida. The discussion will focus on the updated peace plan consisting of 20 points. Unlike previously discussed initiatives, this plan addresses key challenges such as territorial distribution and the status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Washington's initiative for joint management of the ZNPP. In response, Moscow dismissed the proposal to create a demilitarized zone in Donbas. Furthermore, it has been noted that the Russian army has been unable to capture such settlements as Pokrovsk and Kupiansk over the past two years. Zelensky is willing to put the plan for ending the war to a referendum, but only on the condition of a ceasefire for 60 days.
Prospects for Peace Settlement
Donald Trump expressed his intention to become a key mediator in these negotiations. At the same time, Zelensky noted that Ukraine has received no reaction from the Russian side regarding the 20-point peace plan. As expert Joe Barnes stated, the situation on the diplomatic arena has significantly transformed, as the 28-point surrender plan has lost its relevance.
Factors favoring Kyiv include:
- the impossibility of the Russian army capturing Pokrovsk and Kupiansk,
- deterioration of the Russian economy,
- loss of relevance of the surrender plan.
In this context, Trump emphasized that the US President's peace plan involves territorial concessions from Ukraine.
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump could become an important step in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict, especially considering the new conditions in the political arena. It is important that Ukraine continues to seek ways to achieve peace, even under difficult circumstances when the Russian side shows no willingness for constructive dialogue. A referendum on the plan to end the war could be a significant step to engage the public in the process, though its implementation depends on achieving a sustainable ceasefire.