PresidentDonald Trump asserted that Ukraine and Russia are making progress in peace talks, yet he acknowledged the difficulty of resolving the conflict. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump mentioned that discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff would soon take place in Moscow, potentially alongside Jared Kushner. He noted that while eight wars have been settled, this appears to be ‘one of the more difficult’ conflicts due to the ‘a lot of hatred’ between the parties. Trump also dismissed a 28-point peace plan initially submitted to lawmakers, calling it ‘just a map.’
Trump further emphasized that the administration’s approach is focused on ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine through European involvement. The Trump administration had faced criticism after presenting a 28-point peace plan to lawmakers, with some Republicans calling it a ‘wish list’ for Russia. Trump downplayed the plan’s significance while giving remarks on Tuesday night, stating it was ‘just a map’ and that many points have been ‘very favorably solved.’
While the talks are moving quickly, Trump said he does not have a deadline for securing a deal. ‘The deadline for me is when it’s over,’ he said. ‘I think everybody’s tired of fighting at this moment. They are losing, losing too many people.’ His remarks reflect an ongoing emphasis on ending the conflict while maintaining a cautious stance on Russia’s aggressive actions, indicating that even with progress, the resolution remains a complex and ongoing challenge.