President Donald Trump asserted that peace negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict are making significant headway, despite a recent deadly Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv. This claim comes amidst reports that negotiations have reached an impasse and that both Russia and Ukraine are resisting a U.S.-backed peace proposal.
During a meeting with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store at the White House, Trump stated that the next few days would be crucial for the peace talks. He acknowledged a self-imposed deadline for progress but declined to specify the date. Administration officials had previously aimed to secure a negotiated settlement before the 100th day of Trump’s second term, a goal now deemed unrealistic.
Following the devastating attack on Kyiv, which resulted in at least 12 fatalities – the deadliest assault on the capital since the summer of 2024 – Trump issued a public rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin on his Truth Social platform, urging him to halt the attacks. Despite this condemnation, the White House indicated no immediate changes to Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s plans to meet with Putin for a fourth time, and Trump stated that he would wait to consider penalties against Russia.
Trump’s administration has faced criticism for allegedly being overly sympathetic towards Moscow. However, the President vehemently denied these accusations, insisting that he is applying considerable pressure on both sides of the conflict. He declared his allegiance lies solely in saving lives, asserting that he has no allegiance to either Moscow or Kyiv.
In response to questions about Russian concessions, Trump highlighted Russia’s agreement to halt the war and cease its territorial expansion as significant concessions. However, neither Russia nor Ukraine has formally endorsed the Trump administration’s proposed peace framework. This framework acknowledges large portions of seized Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, as Russian territory, a condition Ukraine has rejected.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled a high-level meeting in London after Ukrainian officials indicated their intention to focus on a 30-day ceasefire rather than the U.S. framework. While the State Department spokesperson suggested flexibility in the U.S. proposal, critics argue that Russia’s actions demonstrate its unwillingness to negotiate in good faith. John Hardie of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies criticized Trump for not applying sufficient pressure on Russia to achieve a favorable peace agreement.
The situation remains tense, with the future of the peace talks uncertain despite Trump’s optimistic assessment.
