Ukraine is offering the US not only peace agreements but also a strategic economic partnership. The idea of a free trade zone, a reconstruction plan worth hundreds of billions, and the demand for real security guarantees are shaping a new model of interaction between Kyiv and Washington. Against this backdrop, Trump is openly declaring that Putin is afraid of American power. The Kremlin is responding by attempting to undermine Ukrainian-American relations from within.
Zelensky Offers the US a Free Trade Zone as an Element of Ukraine’s Security
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky statedhe is discussing a possible free trade agreement with the United States as part of a broader post-war economic prosperity package.
According to him, such an agreement would provide for zero tariffs on trade with the US for certain industrial regions of Ukraine and would give the country “very serious cards” in competing with its neighbors and attracting investment.
The president stressed that he wanted to discuss the details directly with US President Donald Trump, as the deal could also be an additional economic security guarantee. Zelensky added that he was expecting Russia’s response to the 20-point peace plan in parallel with the finalization of security guarantees and a recovery plan.
He stressed that Ukraine did not want to limit itself to promises of a response in the event of new aggression, noting:
“I don’t want it to be limited to them promising to respond. I really want something more concrete.”
Zelensky also outlined the idea of creating a special economic zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces after a possible ceasefire. According to him, this could mean “freezing the line of contact, not the conflict,” which would be easier for international partners to control.
The president separately emphasized that Ukraine would never recognize the occupied territories as Russian and expected the US to respond more systematically to Russian aggression.
US and Ukraine prepare $800 billion reconstruction deal in Davos
The US and Ukraine plan to sign a large-scale agreement in Davos on the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine worth about $800 billion, as well as framework agreements on security guarantees from Washington.
According to The Telegraph, для цього на полях Всесвітнього економічного форуму мають зустрітися президенти Дональд Трамп і Володимир Зеленський. За порадою європейських партнерів із Коаліції охочих зустріч вирішили провести у Давосі як у більш нейтральному форматі. Саме там мають остаточно узгодити економічну частину оновленої ініціативи США щодо припинення війни росії проти України.
Ukraine's prosperity plan envisages attracting about $800 billion over ten years for reconstruction and economic growth.
Zelensky previously stressed that the agreement will ensure "economic recovery, the return of jobs and the revival of life in Ukraine." The document will open the way for loans, grants and private sector investment, and US participation in the reconstruction should strengthen US security guarantees. The agreement is based on previous agreements on access of American investors to Ukrainian deposits, but the details of the document have not yet been disclosed.
Trump said that Putin is only afraid of the US under his leadership
US President Donald Trump statedthat Europe's efforts to contain Russia are not enough, and Putin is afraid not of Europe, but of the United States under his leadership.
"Europe is doing a lot for Ukraine, but it is not enough ... and, obviously, Putin is not afraid of Europe. He is afraid of the United States of America, which I lead," Trump is confident.
The president added that Europe should "pull itself together," although he emphasized his positive attitude towards it.
Trump also emphasized that the US is not spending money on Ukraine, but selling weapons to NATO allies for Ukrainian needs. According to him, the main thing for him is “to stop a war in which 30 thousand people die every month”.
Trump does not consider a special operation to capture Putin necessary
Donald Trump statedthat he does not see the need for a special operation to capture Putin according to the Venezuelan scenario.
“Well, I don’t think it will be necessary. I have always had a great relationship with him. I am disappointed,” Trump replied to reporters.
The American leader recalled that, according to him, he had already “settled eight wars” and considered the war against Ukraine “somewhere in the middle or maybe one of the easiest”. He admitted that the situation turned out to be more difficult than he expected.
Trump also emphasized the heavy losses of the Russian army, noting:
“They lost 31 thousand people in the last month. Many of them were Russian soldiers, and the Russian economy is doing badly.”
He expressed confidence that the war would eventually be resolved. According to him, economic pressure and losses on the battlefield are gradually changing the situation for Moscow. At the same time, he did not detail how he plans to achieve an end to the war.
Zelensky: Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine's relations with the US
Zelensky statedthat Russia is actively trying to interfere in Ukraine's relations with key partners, primarily the United States, using lobbyists and special services.
According to him, Ukraine records all attempts by Moscow to undermine diplomacy and strategic cooperation. The President emphasized that Rustem Umerov held talks with American colleagues to ensure a "one hundred percent constructive dialogue", which should strengthen the state's defense capabilities.
"Ukraine has never been and will not be an obstacle to diplomacy, and our effectiveness in working with partners is always at the highest level," Zelensky emphasized.
In additional statements, the President spoke about the discussion with the head of the Presidential Office Kirill Budanov of the sanctions policy and the need to sharply increase pressure on Russian supply chains of components for missiles and drones.
He noted that "Russian production of missiles and drones cannot exist without the supply of components from other countries," so blocking these flows is a key priority.
Zelensky also stressed the renewed movement in the US Congress for tougher sanctions against Russian oil exports, which “can really work.” According to him, Ukraine continues daily contacts with the American side, and opposition to Russian attempts to disrupt these relations will be “tangible” at all levels.
Photo: ShareAmerica
Author: Danylo Pievchev