Ukrainian president outlines concessions and financial needs in final push for U.S. backing before high-stakes Mar-a-Lago talks with Trump.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
KYIV/MAR-A-LAGO, Fla. — On the eve of his high-stakes meeting with President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined his 20-point peace plan in a series of statements on X, framing Ukraine as a nation “genuinely seeking peace” while accusing Russia of prolonging the war. The proposal, which Zelensky claims is now 90% complete, marks a significant shift from his earlier refusal to negotiate and comes after months of stalled talks and escalating Russian attacks, including a massive missile barrage this week.
A Plan Built on Compromise and Western Support
Zelensky’s proposal centers on three key pillars:
- Ending the War: “Ukraine did not start this war. Russia did,” he wrote, emphasizing Kyiv’s willingness to accept “many compromises“ to secure peace. However, he warned that Russia’s goal remains conquest, and without unified Western backing, Moscow will not stop at Ukraine.
- Security Guarantees: Ukraine demands ironclad protections from the U.S. and Europe, including advanced air defense systems and long-term military aid to deter future aggression.
- Post-War Reconstruction: A $700–800 billion rebuilding effort, funded through a U.S.-Ukraine investment partnership, with funds drawn from Ukraine’s natural resources and international contributions.
“If the whole world—Europe and America—is on our side, together we will stop Putin,” Zelensky declared, while cautioning that any Western division would embolden Russia to continue the war.
Territorial Concessions: Referendums or Secession?
A major sticking point remains the future of Russian-occupied regions, including Donbas and Zaporizhzhia. Zelensky floated the idea of local referendums to determine their status, but President Trump has reportedly rejected that approach, favoring direct negotiations over territorial division.
Zelensky acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, stating:
“There are red lines for Ukraine and our people. There are compromise proposals. All of these issues are very sensitive. This includes territories and the [Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant]. If there is an update of approaches, we will communicate with our people, because they have the final say—either a referendum or legislative changes.” [(X)
The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, remains a flashpoint. Ukraine seeks joint U.S.-Ukrainian control, while Russia insists on maintaining its grip.
A War of Attrition—and a Test for Trump
Zelensky’s overtures come as Russian forces intensify attacks, including airstrikes on Kyiv and drone swarms targeting critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian leader has documented the destruction on social media, framing the violence as Moscow’s response to peace efforts.
“Precisely on the way to peace negotiations, Russia shows its response,” he said, urging the West to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses before any settlement.
What’s Next: Trump’s Response and the Road to 2040
Sunday’s meeting at Mar-a-Lago will test whether Trump—who has criticized endless U.S. aid to Ukraine—will endorse Zelensky’s plan or push for a faster, more decisive resolution. Zelensky’s vision extends to 2040, with goals for economic recovery, EU accession, and security guarantees. But with Russia showing no signs of retreat, the path to peace remains uncertain.
“We need to be strong at the negotiating table,” Zelensky insisted. “To be strong, we need the support of the world.”
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