President Donald Trump asserted that Ukraine and Russia are making progress toward a peace agreement, though he acknowledged the considerable difficulty in resolving the conflict. Speaking aboard Air Force One in a press briefing, Trump emphasized the ongoing peace talks as a critical point of focus for the administration. He noted that the United States is actively involved in the process, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff set to engage in negotiations in Moscow. Trump mentioned that his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, may also join the discussions, highlighting the administration’s commitment to facilitating a resolution. Trump described the talks as positive, stating that Ukraine is doing well and that he hopes the situation will eventually reach a conclusion. However, he admitted that the conflict presents one of the most challenging scenarios he has encountered, attributing the difficulties to the deep-seated hatred between the parties involved.
The current situation is further complicated by the ongoing military operations in Ukraine, which have resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction. Reports indicated that a recent Russian attack in Ternopil left at least 25 individuals dead, underscoring the severity of the conflict and the human cost on both sides. Trump downplayed the administration’s earlier 2,8-point peace plan, which had come under scrutiny for being more of a conceptual framework than a concrete proposal. He described the plan as ‘just a map,’ emphasizing that it served as a starting point rather than a final agreement. The administration faces pressure to secure a lasting peace while balancing the need to provide support to Ukraine and maintain international alliances. NATO’s chief expressed optimism that the proposed peace plan could succeed despite the challenges in the negotiations. Trump has not set a deadline for the talks, instead focusing on the ultimate goal of ending the conflict. He acknowledged that the prolonged fighting has taken a heavy toll on both sides, suggesting that a resolution may be imminent if all parties continue to engage in meaningful dialogue.