Security guarantees will be the main topic of discussion during the meeting on a peace agreement for the Russian offensive war, Zelenskyy told journalists on the flight to Florida, where the meeting is being held.
The president also commented on the American demands for elections and referendums, saying that they cannot take place under “the conditions we live in today.” However, Zelenskyy said earlier this week that he would consider holding a referendum on the 20-point peace plan currently on the table - if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire.
“I don't cling to my chair,” he told Kyiv Independent, among others.
No Russians
A draft of the peace plan has been sent to Moscow, but Russian representatives will not participate in Sunday's talks. The White House has decided to bring forward the meeting, described as crucial for Ukraine's future, to 7 p.m. local time in Sweden.
Zelenskyy spoke by phone with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday, during which they discussed preparations for the meeting, Zelenskyy said on X.
Trump, for his part, wrote on Truth Social that he had a "productive" phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin says Trump and Putin will speak again after Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy, AFP reports.
Kirill Dmitrijev, who has been Russia's negotiator in talks with the United States, wrote on X that Sunday "is an important day on the path to peace."
Telephone conference with Europeans
In connection with the meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy will hold a telephone conference with European leaders, a spokesman for the Ukrainian presidential staff said, according to AFP.
Zelenskyy is flanked during the meeting by chief negotiator Rustem Umyrov, his finance minister, deputy foreign minister, chief of the general staff, and an adviser to the presidential staff.
Ahead of the meeting, Zelenskyy met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday and also participated in a digital meeting with several European leaders.
