In a significant development in the diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Eastern Europe, US President Donald Trump the Ukrainian side on Thursday to "move quickly" in the ongoing negotiations regarding the plan to end the war with Russia. Trump's remarks reflected the US administration's desire to resolve this costly conflict as soon as possible.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the US president said negotiators were “close to something,” adding a warning: “But I hope Ukraine moves quickly… Every time they drag it out, Russia changes its mind.” This statement clearly indicates Washington’s concern about the fluctuations in the Russian position based on developments on the ground.
A crucial meeting in Miami
All eyes will be on Miami, Florida, this weekend, where Russian and American envoys are scheduled to hold a crucial meeting. Despite the White House's official silence on the details, media reports, most notably from Politico, indicate that the American delegation will include Special Envoy to Ukraine Steve Witkopf and President Trump's son-in-law and former advisor Jared Kushner , suggesting the utmost importance the White House attaches to this issue. Moscow, on the other hand, will be represented by the Kremlin's Special Envoy for Economic Affairs, Kirill Dmitriev.
Context of the conflict and historical background
This flurry of diplomatic activity comes as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict nears its first anniversary since erupting in February 2022, a conflict that has redrawn the geopolitical map of Europe and directly impacted the global economy and energy markets. Even before his return to the presidency, Trump had consistently criticized the level of US aid to Kyiv, promising a swift end to the war, which explains the current pressure to reach a political settlement that would spare the West a protracted conflict.
Features of the American plan and security guarantees
The new round of talks comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated “progress” toward a settlement between Kyiv and Washington following meetings in Berlin that included European officials. Leaks suggest the revised plan may involve painful Ukrainian concessions regarding territory, in exchange for “very strong” security guarantees to prevent a repeat of the invasion—a formula Washington is also trying to make acceptable to the Kremlin.
Expected regional and international impacts
The success of these negotiations could mean a reshaping of the security architecture in Europe, with EU and NATO countries anxiously awaiting the outcome, fearing that any hasty settlement could embolden Moscow in the future. Meanwhile, Zelensky warned that Russia is preparing for another year of “war” in 2026, while Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that the objectives of his military campaign “will undoubtedly be achieved,” presenting negotiators with the formidable challenge of reconciling these conflicting positions.
