Washington: President Donald Trump expressed frustration that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has yet to review a US-drafted plan intended to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Trump suggested that Zelenskyy’s hesitancy is slowing progress in efforts to broker a settlement.
“I’m a little bit disappointed that President Zelenskyy hasn’t yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago,” Trump told reporters ahead of attending the Kennedy Centre Honours. He added that while Zelenskyy’s aides are supportive of the plan, the Ukrainian leader himself “isn’t ready.” Donald Trump further claimed that Russia is reportedly “fine” with the proposal, though Zelenskyy has not publicly agreed to it.
The US-brokered plan has been the focus of three days of talks between American and Ukrainian negotiators in Florida, aimed at reconciling positions on ending the nearly four-year conflict. Zelenskyy, however, maintained a measured stance, posting on social media that he had a “substantive phone call” with US officials and emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to working in good faith toward a genuine peace.
While Trump criticized Zelenskyy, Moscow appeared more receptive. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed the Trump administration’s updated national security strategy, published Friday, which highlighted dialogue and improving US-Russia relations. Peskov said the document aligned with Russia’s interests and expressed hope that it could support “constructive cooperation” on the Ukrainian settlement.
According to Trump’s outgoing Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, a resolution now hinges on two remaining issues: territorial control in the Donbas region and the status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Russia occupies most of Donbas, as well as two southern regions it annexed in 2022, while Zaporizhzhia, currently under Russian control, requires stable electricity to safely cool its shutdown reactors and stored nuclear fuel.
Amid the diplomatic efforts, the conflict on the ground persists. Overnight strikes by Russian missiles, drones, and artillery killed at least four civilians in Ukraine. A drone attack hit northern Chernihiv, while combined strikes in central Kremenchuk disrupted power and water supplies. In Kharkiv, three people were killed and ten others injured in shelling. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of deliberately targeting infrastructure to deprive civilians of essential services during winter.
Looking ahead, Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet leaders from the UK, France, and Germany in London on Monday, signaling continued international engagement as talks to resolve the conflict move forward.
Trump’s comments reflect his long-standing stance that the Ukraine war, which he has repeatedly called costly for the US, requires concessions from Kyiv to reach a resolution. However, Zelenskyy’s careful approach suggests Ukraine remains cautious about any peace plan that might compromise its territorial sovereignty.
