Trump Expresses Commitment to Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal

On Thursday, President Trump asserted that the U.S. remains “very committed” to facilitating peace between Russia and Ukraine, as discussions unfolded in Miami involving officials from both Kiev and Washington.

These talks came on the heels of a lengthy five-hour meeting that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, although it ended without a concrete agreement. Nonetheless, Trump maintained an optimistic outlook, suggesting that a resolution could come “eventually.”

During a national tree lighting event near the White House, he remarked, “We’re building peace around the world. We’re resolving conflicts at an unprecedented level. Eight of them resolved, and we aim for one more—Russia and Ukraine.” He continued, “If we can achieve this, I believe we’ll get there. Eventually.”

He also emphasized the ongoing human cost, stating, “Last week, we lost 8,000 soldiers. Last month, 27,000 lives were lost unnecessarily. This has to stop, and we’re putting in considerable effort to make it happen.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy indicated that Ukraine would seek a detailed report from the U.S. following the talks with Russia. “Our current objective is to gather comprehensive information about the discussions in Moscow and to understand the excuses President Putin might use to prolong the conflict and pressure Ukraine,” he noted in a post on X.

A senior U.S. official informed the Post that Witkoff and Kushner had invited Ukrainian chief negotiator and national security adviser Rustem Umerov to Miami for these discussions. They last convened with Ukrainian counterparts in Miami on Sunday to revisit a 19-point plan established in Geneva the previous month.

After the meetings held in Hallandale Beach, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “It’s not just about ending the fighting; it’s also about laying down conditions for Ukraine’s long-term prosperity… We made progress today, but there’s still much work ahead.”

Zelenskiy’s post didn’t specify the U.S. or Ukrainian representatives’ identities for the Thursday discussions, but he assured that “Ukraine is preparing for all possible developments.” He added, “Naturally, we’ll work constructively with our partners to achieve a peaceful resolution that is also dignified. True security comes from dignity, which requires ongoing support from our allies.”

The White House had not responded by late Thursday on whether the talks commenced. Details from the U.S.-Kremlin meeting remain closely guarded since its conclusion. A senior Kremlin advisor, Yuri Ushakov, mentioned that various aspects of the peace plan were discussed during the meeting.

“Some of the proposals put forward have not been acceptable. Hence, our efforts will persist,” he stated.