Trump Stakes Claim on Ukraine Peace Plan Ahead of Zelensky Summit

US President Donald Trump has asserted his influence over Ukraine's peace plan, stating that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cannot act until he approves the proposal. The comments come ahead of a planned meeting between the two leaders in Florida on Sunday. Trump expressed confidence in a productive meeting, citing his intention to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin 'soon and as much as I want'. Zelensky is expected to discuss territorial disputes, the core obstacle to ending Russia's war in Ukraine, during the meeting. The US is nearing completion of a 20-point peace framework and a security guarantee deal. Zelensky has hinted that Ukraine may be open to a referendum on the peace plan, but only if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. Moscow is pushing for Ukrainian withdrawal from eastern regions, while Kyiv wants the fighting to cease at current battle lines. The US has proposed a free economic zone in exchange for Ukraine's withdrawal, but details on the zone's functioning remain unclear. The meeting between Trump and Zelensky is seen as a crucial step in resolving the conflict, with the Ukrainian President expressing hope that 'a lot can be decided before the New Year'.