President Donald Trump has claimed ‘tremendous progress’ in ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, stating that a deal is closer than ever to completion. However, he has made it clear that he will not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unless the peace agreement is finalized. While diplomats report the talks have reached the closest point to an agreement since the war began, recent violence, including a Russian drone-and-missile strike on Kyiv, has complicated efforts to reach a resolution.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the 28-Point Peace Plan, originally drafted by the U.S., as being in its final stages with only minor disagreements remaining. He outlined plans for his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Putin and for the U.S. Army’s Secretary Dan Driscoll to engage with Ukrainian officials. Trump emphasized that he would only meet with the leaders once the peace deal is finalized, a stance he reiterated in the post.
Despite the ongoing hostilities, U.S. diplomats described the negotiations as the closest they have been to a potential agreement. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for a ‘just and lasting’ peace, with European leaders coordinating efforts to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions and other measures. The situation remains tense, with both sides continuing to pursue diplomatic solutions amid ongoing conflict.