Trump demands Zelensky respond to his peace plan "before Christmas"

RomeFrom London to Brussels, and from the EU capital to Rome. In just 24 hours. Volodymyr Zelensky has traveled 1,800 kilometers to discuss and amend with his European allies The peace plan for Ukraine promoted by US President Donald Trump is running out of time. According to the Financial TimesZelensky has told his European counterparts that on Saturday he was pressured—even more so—by Washington: in a two-hour call, Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy negotiating peace in Ukraine, and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law, urged him to make a quick decision, which should be "before Na." The Ukrainian president's response was that he needed time to consult the peace plan with European allies, the report notes. Financial Times

This Tuesday, Zelensky stated that he will send the US a revised peace plan "in the near future." "Everything depends on whether Russia is prepared to take effective measures to stop the bloodshed and prevent war from breaking out again," he wrote in a message on Twitter on the same day he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Leo XIV. From Rome, in fact, he confirmed that he will soon send Washington his response to the US plan: a 28-point roadmap that was reduced to 20 points after meetings between representatives of Ukraine and the White House last weekend, according to the Ukrainian president.

The Ukrainian president needs time to discuss this with his partners.but also according to the Financial TimesZelensky asserts that the US does not foresee this delay: "I sincerely feel the Americans are seeking a compromise today," the Ukrainian president stated Monday evening in a conversation with journalists during his visit to London, where he met with the premier From the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

In its original version, the White House plan stipulated that the country, invaded by Vladimir Putin's troops since 2022, would cede territories not occupied by Russia in exchange for security promises, but it closed the door to Kyiv's aspirations to join NATO. Security guarantees "to prevent future aggression" following a hypothetical peace agreement were central to the talks between Meloni and Zelensky, as well as in previous talks with the other European leaders. In this regard, the Italian government stressed on Tuesday the need to "maintain pressure on Russia to join the negotiating table in good faith," according to an official statement. A message echoed by most EU leaders.

Visit to Rome

"We are working very actively to end the war," the Ukrainian president wrote on social media, thanking Italy for its continued support. Since the start of the Russian offensive, Italy has approved twelve packages of military aid for Kyiv. This week, Rome announced the shipment of domestically manufactured generators to bolster Ukraine's energy infrastructure against Russian attacks on its facilities. The prime minister affirmed that this collaboration will continue. "Italy will continue to play its part, also with a view to the future reconstruction of Ukraine."

Meloni did not attend Monday's meeting in London between Zelensky, Starmer, Macron, and MerzHowever, she did participate via video call in the subsequent briefing, along with the leaders of Denmark, Finland, and Poland. The prime minister finds herself in an awkward position. The leader of Brothers of Italy is trying to find a middle ground between her government's alignment with Washington and the unconditional support for Ukraine from European allies. It's an increasingly difficult balancing act to maintain.

Meloni believes it is essential to maintain unity between European partners and the United States to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. despite Washington's verbal attacks on the European Union. The Italian prime minister is committed to increasing the level of convergence on issues affecting Kyiv's interests, such as establishing solid security guarantees, which the Italian government considers essential to prevent further aggression and which only the occupant of the White House is in a position to offer. However, the US president's ultimatums and attacks are not helping matters.

In statements to the Italian newspaper The RepublicZelensky has stated his willingness to hold elections in Ukraine, after Trump accused him of using the war to cling to power.

Before meeting with Meloni, the Ukrainian president was received by Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo, the papal residence outside Rome. During the audience, the pontiff emphasized the need to continue dialogue and renewed his hope that the current negotiations could lead to a "just and lasting" peace, according to a statement from the Holy See. Zelensky, for his part, invited the Pope to visit Ukraine. "It would be a great sign of support for our people."