Washington, Dec 27 (NationPress) - US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida on Sunday, as Kyiv advances a new 20-point peace initiative designed to conclude Russia's nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine.

The White House announced on Friday that Trump will meet Zelensky at Palm Beach, Florida, on December 28.

Prior to the meeting, Trump positioned himself as the ultimate decision-maker regarding any prospective deal between Ukraine and Russia, expressing caution regarding Zelensky's latest propositions. "He doesn't have anything until I approve it," Trump stated in an interview with POLITICO. "So we'll see what he's got."

Zelensky indicated he would present an updated peace framework during the discussions, which would include suggestions for a demilitarized zone and talks on US security assurances.

Speaking to the press on Friday, just before his meeting with Trump, Zelensky mentioned that both parties would strive to "finalize as much as we can," while admitting he could not guarantee that the talks would lead to a solid agreement.

Earlier in the day, Zelensky conveyed optimism, posting on X that "a lot can be decided before the New Year."

Trump expressed expectations that the discussions with Zelensky would be fruitful, indicating his willingness to engage with Moscow as well. "I think it's going to go good with him. I think it's going to go good with (Vladimir) Putin," he remarked, adding that he anticipates a conversation with the Russian president "soon, as much as I want."

The President's remarks highlight the significant role that Washington is playing in the US-mediated peace process, even as Russia appears to remain steadfast in its positions. Trump noted that Russia's economy is under considerable pressure. "Their economy is in tough shape, very tough shape," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Zelensky has ramped up diplomatic efforts ahead of the Florida meeting. He stated that he had discussions with leaders from NATO, Canada, Germany, Finland, Denmark, and Estonia to align their stances, emphasizing that "Ukraine has never been and will never be an obstacle to peace."

This forthcoming meeting follows Zelensky's recent talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. Zelensky later described that interaction as a "good conversation."

Zelensky informed reporters that the 20-point plan, crafted by Ukrainian and US officials, is "90 percent ready." He expressed his intention to explore how Ukraine's allies could ensure its future security, even as Kyiv indicates flexibility on longstanding demands.

Trump also confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would also be visiting him this weekend. "I have Zelensky, and I have Bibi coming. They're all coming. They all come," Trump said. "They respect our country again."

Reports indicate that Netanyahu is expected to update Trump on Israel's concerns regarding the escalating threat from Iran.

During the interview, Trump also spoke about recent US airstrikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria, revealing that he intentionally delayed the operation by a day for symbolic reasons. "They were going to do it earlier," he explained. "And I said, 'No, let's give a Christmas present'… They didn't think that was coming, but we hit them hard. Every camp got decimated."

Zelensky stated that Sunday’s discussions would also address sensitive topics such as the administration of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and governance of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, which Moscow claims. Ukrainian officials have referred to the latest peace proposal as a demonstration of flexibility without territorial concessions, including a demilitarized zone linked to a reciprocal Russian withdrawal from parts of Donetsk.

Russia has not publicly indicated a willingness to accept such conditions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy aide to President Putin, had communicated with members of the Trump administration after Moscow received the latest proposals, though he did not specify when this conversation occurred.

Earlier this week, Zelensky remarked that Ukraine was no longer seeking immediate NATO membership but was looking for security assurances that would "mirror" NATO's Article 5. He also reiterated that Ukraine's constitution mandates that any changes to borders must be approved by a referendum, asserting that "the fate of Ukraine should be decided by the people of Ukraine."

The renewed diplomatic effort comes as Canada reasserted its support for Kyiv. On December 26, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with Zelensky, praising his endeavors to achieve "a just and lasting peace" and highlighting the necessity to maintain pressure on Russia, as per a statement from Ottawa.