Zelenskiy Says Key Decisions Possible Before New Year Ahead of Planned Trump Meeting

Post by : Saif Nasser

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that important decisions about the future of the war in Ukraine could be made before the New Year, as he prepares for a direct meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. His comments come amid renewed diplomatic efforts by Washington to push for an end to the nearly four-year conflict with Russia.

Speaking on Friday, Zelenskiy confirmed that he and Trump have agreed to meet at the highest level in the near future. He said the timing of the talks is critical and suggested that the coming days could shape the direction of peace efforts. According to Zelenskiy, many key issues are now close to being resolved, at least on paper, even if final agreements are still pending.

The Ukrainian leader stressed that sensitive matters, especially those involving territory and long-term security, must be discussed directly between heads of state. Kyiv has been seeking a face-to-face meeting with Trump, believing that such talks are necessary to make real progress on issues that lower-level negotiators cannot settle alone.

Zelenskiy’s remarks followed a fresh round of talks between Ukrainian officials and senior U.S. representatives. On Thursday, he met Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. These discussions focused on a broader framework aimed at ending the war and supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction once fighting stops.

According to Zelenskiy, several documents linked to this framework are already fully prepared, while others are nearly complete. He described the work as detailed and complex, reflecting the many political, military, and economic challenges involved in bringing the conflict to an end.

Earlier this week, Zelenskiy presented a 20-point draft peace plan that he called the main foundation for ending the war. The plan includes strong security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future Russian aggression. Kyiv has repeatedly said that any peace deal must ensure Ukraine’s safety and independence over the long term.

However, major disagreements remain. Zelenskiy acknowledged that Ukraine and the United States have not yet found common ground on territorial issues. Russia has been demanding that Ukraine give up parts of its territory, including areas still under Kyiv’s control. Ukraine has firmly rejected these demands, saying that surrendering land would reward aggression and threaten the country’s future.

Another unresolved issue is control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility. The plant is currently under Russian control, and its future remains a sensitive and dangerous topic. Zelenskiy said discussions on this matter are still ongoing and will require careful handling due to safety and security concerns.

The renewed diplomatic push comes as the war continues to take a heavy toll on Ukraine’s people, economy, and infrastructure. Millions have been displaced, cities have been damaged, and the conflict has reshaped global politics and energy markets. Many Ukrainians hope that strong international support, especially from the United States, can help bring a just and lasting peace.

Zelenskiy’s statement that “a lot can be decided before the New Year” reflects cautious optimism, but also urgency. The coming meeting with Trump is expected to be a key moment, not only for Ukraine and the United States, but also for Europe and the wider international community watching closely for signs of a breakthrough.

While major obstacles remain, the Ukrainian president’s comments suggest that diplomacy is moving forward at a faster pace. Whether these talks will lead to a real end to the war depends on difficult choices, strong guarantees, and the willingness of all sides to move toward peace rather than prolonged conflict.