U.S. President Donald Trump has called for high-level talks between Ukraine and Russia, stating that both sides are "very close to a deal" to end the ongoing conflict that has lasted for three years. This announcement came as Trump arrived in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. He shared his thoughts on social media, emphasizing the need for both nations to meet and finalize an agreement to stop the violence.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently visited Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following their discussions, Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations, declaring it a "good day" for talks. He urged both sides to come together to "finish it off" and put an end to the bloodshed.
In a recent interview, Trump made headlines by suggesting that Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, should remain under Russian control. This comment has raised concerns among Ukrainian leaders, who see any concession on their territory as unacceptable. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that recognizing occupied territories as Russian is a red line for Ukraine.
Despite Trump’s push for a deal, progress has been slow. The war continues to claim lives, with recent Russian drone strikes resulting in civilian casualties in Ukraine. On the same day Trump made his announcement, three people were killed in a drone attack on an apartment building.
Trump has criticized Zelenskyy for not moving quickly enough to negotiate with Russia. However, Western European leaders have pointed fingers at Putin, accusing him of stalling the talks while seeking to expand his territory in Ukraine.
As the situation develops, the Trump administration faces pressure to find a resolution. Senior U.S. officials have indicated that they may reconsider their military support for Ukraine if a settlement is not reached soon. Trump stated that he aims to expedite the peace process, though he confirmed there is no set deadline for the talks.
Witkoff’s meeting with Putin was not the first this month, and both sides are expected to continue discussions. Putin’s foreign policy aide described their latest talks as "constructive," hinting at the possibility of resuming direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian toll remains high, with ongoing attacks from Russian forces leading to more civilian deaths. Zelenskyy noted that despite Ukraine’s willingness to consider a ceasefire proposal, Russian aggression persists. The situation remains tense, and the outcome of upcoming negotiations is uncertain.