U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that he is the final arbiter of any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
He made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Politico ahead of his Sunday meeting with Zelensky in Florida.
"He doesn't have anything until I approve it," Trump said, commenting on the new 20-point peace plan that Zelensky is bringing. "So we'll see what he's got."
At the same time, Trump expressed optimism regarding the talks: "I think he’ll be fine. I think Putin will be fine, too." He added that he expects to speak with the Russian leader "shortly, whenever I want."
Trump also confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit him this weekend.
"Zelensky is coming, Bibi is coming. Everybody is coming. They respect our country again," Trump said.
Addressing Russia's economic situation, the U.S. President noted: "Their economy is in bad shape, very bad shape."
Trump also disclosed details regarding airstrikes against ISIS in Nigeria, stating he personally ordered the operation moved from Wednesday to Thursday "as a Christmas present." "They were going to do it earlier. And I said, 'No, let’s do a Christmas present'... They didn’t expect it, but we hit them hard. Every camp was wiped out," the President said.
We previously reported that Zelensky Is Ready for Referendum on Trump Plan: Axios on Key Condition.