Volodymyr Zelensky may meet with Donald Trump as early as December 28th, if ongoing talks between US and Ukrainian delegations to finalize the so-called Trump peace plan progress as expected. The significant US attention to ending the Russia-Ukraine war was highlighted by negotiations between Zelensky and US presidential envoys Steve Whitthof and Jared Kushner, which took place on Christmas night—a highly unusual move in American politics.
After Zelensky, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov carried on discussions. While few details are public, it is assumed that both sides are dealing primarily with the most complex issues, such as territorial matters, security guarantees for Ukraine, and the status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The US, Ukraine, and Russia have differing approaches to the content and legal weight of prospective agreements.
Moscow is also closely monitoring the peace talks. During a meeting with Russian business leaders, Vladimir Putin spent much time discussing war resolution and the control over the Zaporizhzhia plant, promoting joint US-Russian oversight without Ukrainian participation. The fact that Russian oligarchs are involved underscores their desire to end the conflict, with significant losses from four years of war and more at stake.
A major question remains whether the US president can persuade Putin to accept the proposals agreed upon with Zelensky, or whether Putin will instead push for his own terms, complicating the negotiation process. In that case, the US may serve primarily as a mediator.
There is concern about Russia deliberately delaying the process, and about whether the US will impose stricter sanctions on Russia if negotiations fail. Notably, recent US influence led the EU to pause the confiscation of Russian assets, so as not to jeopardize Trump’s peace plan. Further talks may allow Russia to stall and avoid new sanctions.
Nonetheless, preparations for a meeting during the holiday season demonstrate Trump’s high level of interest in reaching an outcome. The US president himself noted he had no time to celebrate Christmas, focusing instead on the Russian-Ukrainian war and matters involving Russia, Ukraine, and China.
Portnikov concludes that, for Ukraine, US pressure and negative reaction should target Russia, increasing chances for meaningful concessions. The author encourages support for the channel and staying connected via social media.
