US President Donald Trump has linked Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit to Mar a Lago to his own approval of a proposed Ukraine peace plan, telling reporters that the Ukrainian leader “doesn’t have anything until I approve it.” Zelenskyy has described the joint US–Ukraine framework as “90% ready,” but Trump has so far refused to fully endorse it.
The current 20 point plan was redrafted in Kyiv after a leaked 28 point version drew heavy backlash from Ukraine and some European allies, who said it read like a Russian wish list that pushed Kyiv toward capitulation. Zelenskyy has since held talks with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and his son in law Jared Kushner to prepare for a face to face meeting in Florida.
Any potential breakthrough still hinges on Moscow, where reaction has been muted. Russian officials have offered only cautious, minimal comments, and Vladimir Putin has largely stuck to his long standing demands on Ukraine, with little expectation of a major shift this weekend.
Analysts say Putin sees advantage in the current situation, as Trump reshapes US relations with Russia in ways that appear to benefit Moscow. Ongoing friction between Washington and key European partners over the peace talks is viewed in the Kremlin as another strategic gain.
In that context, a formal agreement that would lock in limits on Russia’s territorial ambitions may be unattractive to Putin. His decision to downplay the Zelenskyy plan so far is seen as a sign that the Kremlin is in no hurry to accept a deal that constrains future options.
Any reluctance from Moscow will test Trump’s strength, diplomatic skills and perceived loyalties as he tries to sell the plan at home and abroad. Observers say the episode could define how far the US president is willing or able to push Russia toward compromise after years of war in Ukraine.
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