Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly called for a high-stakes meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The proposed summit aims to tackle the most delicate points in a future peace agreement to end the war with Russia, particularly the contentious issue of territorial control. This request follows the latest round of diplomatic discussions between American and Ukrainian delegations.
Progress on a Foundational Peace Framework
In remarks released by his office on Wednesday, December 24, Zelenskyy reported that talks held over the weekend in Miami brought Ukrainian and U.S. officials closer to finalizing a 20-point foundational plan to end the conflict. He described this document as a political framework involving Ukraine, America, Europe, and Russia.
Zelenskyy emphasized that while diplomatic teams have made headway, certain critical matters must be elevated to the highest level. "We are ready for a meeting with the United States at the leaders’ level to address sensitive issues," he stated. "Matters such as territorial questions must be discussed at the leaders’ level."
This development represents a significant evolution from earlier proposals, including a 28-point plan previously discussed between the United States and Russia. Key aspects of the new framework, according to Zelenskyy, include maintaining Ukraine's army at its current strength of 800,000 personnel and establishing security guarantees through agreements with the U.S. and European allies.
Sticking Points: Territory and Security
Despite progress, a major gap remains on the question of territory. Zelenskyy outlined Kyiv's position as "to remain where we are," which would freeze the conflict along the current battle lines. This contrasts sharply with Moscow's demand for a Ukrainian withdrawal from the entire eastern Donetsk region, approximately a quarter of which is still under Ukrainian control.
The United States is reportedly seeking a compromise, exploring options like establishing a demilitarized zone or a special economic zone in disputed areas. Another unresolved issue is the fate of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest, which is under Russian military control near the front line. Kyiv has proposed creating a small economic zone around the facility.
Zelenskyy stressed that the proposed framework is designed to create a strong and secure Ukraine, backed by a "Coalition of the Willing" with mechanisms to monitor peace compliance and respond to any future Russian aggression. He also noted that officials worked on separate documents related to post-war reconstruction and investment.
The Path Forward and Trump's Role
The new 20-point proposal will be presented to Moscow for consideration, after which next steps will be determined. Zelenskyy framed the upcoming decisions starkly: "We are saying: if all regions are included and if we remain where we are, then we will reach an agreement... But if we do not agree to remain where we are, there are two options: either the war continues, or something will have to be decided regarding all potential economic zones."
Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two. However, his administration has yet to secure major concessions from either side. Kyiv has been actively negotiating with Washington to modify earlier peace plan drafts that, according to Ukraine, too closely mirrored Moscow's core demands. Ukraine fears that ceding more territory, renouncing military alliances, and accepting force limitations would leave the country defenseless against future Russian attacks.
The call for a leaders' summit underscores the critical juncture at which the peace process has arrived, where ultimate political decisions on sovereignty and security must now be made at the highest level.
