Trump also expressed hope for a productive meeting with Zelensky this weekend. "I think everything will go well. I hope it will be the same with Putin," he added, noting that he plans to negotiate with the Russian leader "soon, as much as I want."
These comments were made the day after Zelensky's conversation with special envoy Steve Vitkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, which the Ukrainian president described as "good." The meeting with Trump in Florida is expected to take place on Sunday, and Zelensky intends to present a new 20-point peace plan. This plan includes the creation of a demilitarized zone, as well as discussions on security issues related to guarantees from the U.S.
Topics such as the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and control over the territories of Donbas, which Russia claims, will also be addressed at the meeting. Zelensky's plan, which Ukrainian authorities see as a demonstration of flexibility without territorial concessions, has not generated significant resonance in Washington.
It is important to note that Zelensky's proposal for the creation of a demilitarized zone was accompanied by the condition of withdrawing Russian troops from a specific area in Donetsk. However, Russia shows no willingness to consider any options other than complete control over the region, highlighting the existing gap between the parties.
Nevertheless, Trump noted that the Russian economy is facing serious difficulties. "Their economy is in bad shape," he said.
