Zelensky advised to delay US visit to protect peace talks
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Zelenskyy’s advisers urge him to postpone his US visit to avoid tensions with Trump that could disrupt peace negotiations on the US-backed Ukraine plan.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda during a joint news conference in Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been advised by his inner circle not to travel to Washington at this time, amid concerns that tensions with US President Donald Trump could derail the fragile peace negotiations on the US-proposed plan for resolving the conflict in Ukraine, the Financial Times reported on Monday.
According to the report, members of Zelensky's team are concerned that a visit to the United States could provoke another confrontation with Trump, jeopardizing ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The Financial Times also noted that it remains unclear whether Trump expects Zelensky to formally sign the peace plan as a sign of approval or simply engage with it as a framework for negotiation.
On Sunday, CBS reported that Zelensky might travel to the US this week to meet with Trump and discuss the proposal. However, Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne reported on Monday that no such meeting is currently planned between the two leaders.
Read more: 'Miscommunication' halts meeting on Trump 28-point Ukraine peace plan
Peace plan includes concessions on Crimea, Donbas, and language
On November 19, US media revealed that Trump had approved a 28-point proposal for a political settlement in Ukraine. The plan reportedly includes:
- A reduction in US military aid
- Recognition of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church acknowledged by the Russian Orthodox Church
- Granting Russian language official status in Ukraine
- Reducing Ukraine’s armed forces
- Banning foreign troops and long-range weapons on Ukrainian territory
- Recognition of Crimea and Donbass as legitimate Russian territories by the US and other nations
On November 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Trump's proposed plan could serve as a foundation for a final resolution to the conflict.
Geneva talks continue as deadline nears for Ukraine decision
Meanwhile, peace talks continue in Geneva. On Sunday, a US delegation met with Ukrainian officials to discuss the proposal. Trump previously stated that November 27 would be a suitable deadline for Ukraine to respond to the US plan.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, both Washington and Kiev are weighing their next moves amid heightened scrutiny of the proposed terms and timing.
Read more: Russia does not intend to harm world order: Putin
