Image Credit: SERGEI GAPON / Contributor / Getty 
Ahead of Sunday’s meeting with President Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago, Ukraine’s Dictator Vladimir Zelensky discussed his intent of ending the war, post-war reconstruction plans for his country and numerous points of contention that will be negotiated during the upcoming meeting with the President.
The Ukrainian’s peace plan is now 90% ready following Zelensky complying with Trump’s Christmas deadline. A previous meeting Zelensky held with Trump in February ended in disaster for the Ukrainian after he refused peace and disrespected America in the White House.
On Saturday Zelensky explained that Ukraine is genuinely seeking peace, then placed the entire blame for the war on Russia, despite the Dictator himself stalling the process for nearly a year. He did however say Ukraine is now willing to do whatever it takes to bring an end to the conflict as part of his 20-point peace plan:
Ukraine did not start this war. Russia started it. Ukraine supported President Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire. Ukraine has agreed to many different compromises, and this is documented in our draft agreements, in our 20-point plan. Ukraine is willing to do whatever it takes to stop this war.
For us, priority number one – or the only priority – is ending the war. For us, the priority is peace. We need to be strong at the negotiating table. To be strong, we need the support of the world: Europe and the United States. And this includes air defenses – which are currently insufficient, weaponry – which is currently insufficient, and money – thankfully, there is now a European decision, but, frankly, there is a constant shortage of funds, in particular for the production of weapons and, most importantly, drones.
In this war of Russia against Ukraine, we want peace, and Russia demonstrates a desire to continue the war. If the whole world – Europe and America – is on our side, together we will stop Putin. Because together we will all want the same thing: an end to the war, peace – a normal peace, a sustainable peace, safe for the whole world. If anyone – whether the U.S. or Europe – is on Russia’s side, this means the war will continue. There are no other options here. And this is a risk for all countries in the world. Because Russia will not stop, regardless of any agreements, any eloquent messages from them. They will not stop at Ukraine.
Kiev signed Washington’s mineral deal into law in May. This deal will see Ukraine pay the U.S. back for its military aid via the country’s natural resources, but Ukraine will also receive the bounty of a joint investment fund aimed at rebuilding the war-ravaged nation.
Zelensky reported on the financial developments regarding the post-war reconstruction plan:
We are working with the United States on the roadmap for Ukraine’s prosperity. Our vision, together with the United States, extends to 2040, covering the key elements of an agreement on investment and future prosperity.
The main aspects and directions are our national goals, life expectancy, the return of refugees, GDP per capita, new jobs, security guarantees, and then the direction of access to markets, and accession to the European Union. We have goals and strategies for macroeconomic stability. We estimate that reconstruction will require approximately 700–800 billion.
What is important is that we have a shared vision with the United States, that we will have several funds established. There will be a Ukraine Building Fund, a sovereign investment platform of Ukraine, a Ukraine Development Fund, and a Fund for Ukraine’s Growth and Opportunities. We plan to keep developing U.S.–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. The negotiating groups are also discussing matters regarding the Human Capital Fund and support for returns.
To solve the territory dispute – a key sticking point in the peace negotiations – a referendum vote in some eastern Ukrainian regions currently occupied by Russian forces is being floated by Zelensky, but President Trump appears unwilling to support a referendum, likely opting for a direct secession of these lands as part of a negotiated settlement.
While the Dictator has generally been against ceding territory, he now hopes to leave the matter up to a vote of the residents:
The skies must be safe, and security ensured throughout our territory, at least for the duration of the elections or a referendum. And it is very important that observers are present everywhere.
This morning, I received an intelligence report from the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine – Russia has already set the task of doing everything to ensure that Ukrainians in Russia, as well as those in the temporarily Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, are able to vote.
Russia’s task is outlined like this: to bring up that a large number of people live there and supposedly have the right to vote, and all of this is only so that later they say that Russia does not recognize these elections. Russia does not care how to convey the message of the alleged illegitimacy of the Ukrainian authorities. Russia itself is illegitimate, and therefore it will convey messages regarding the illegitimacy of Ukraine’s authorities.
Kiev is likely to stick to certain “red lines” in the negotiations, but they also seek to compromise as part of a settlement, according to Zelensky.
In addition to territory referendums, the Zaporozhye (also spelled Zaporizhzhia) nuclear power plant’s future use is being discussed. Ukraine seeks joint U.S.-Ukrainian control over the atomic energy facility that is currently behind Russian lines, while the U.S. seeks to include Russia in it’s management:
We must work toward having a minimum of unresolved issues. Of course, today there are red lines for Ukraine and Ukrainian people. There are compromise proposals. All of these issues are very sensitive. This includes territories and the Zaporizhzhia NPP. If there is an update of approaches, certainly, before this or that decision, we will communicate with our people, because the people of Ukraine have the final say. It’s either a referendum or certain legislative changes.
The most important thing is security guarantees. Besides territorial issues and the Zaporizhzhia NPP, there are security guarantees that are very important for us. Today, Russia showed how it reacts to the peace negotiations between Ukraine and the United States regarding ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. They massively attacked Ukraine. Precisely on the way to peace negotiations, Russia shows its response. Today, our most important consideration – if we take certain steps – is that security guarantees should be strong and we should be protected. And if the American side raises the question about a referendum or about elections, this certainly cannot be done in the conditions in which we live today.
Effective support from Europeans is important to us. We do not have enough additional air defense systems. We need systematic delivery of systems and missiles. More missiles are needed, as Russia attacks more, with more drones and missiles.
Zelensky spoke considerably about the ongoing Russian attacks against Ukraine. He has posted images from the offensive throughout the week:
