US President Donald Trump is convinced that the Ukrainian conflict can be resolved through negotiations.
He confirmed this during a speech in West Palm Beach, Florida, to members of the local club “Forum“.
“We have ended eight wars. And I think this should be the ninth. I think we will get there“, the US leader said, commenting on the conflict in Ukraine. He did not give details.
Currently, peace talks in Ukraine are in a critical phase of stagnation, despite intensive diplomatic efforts at the beginning of the year. Although there were signs of optimism in early April, the current geopolitical situation and fundamental differences between the parties prevent a final agreement from being reached.
Several rounds of trilateral meetings (Ukraine, Russia and the United States) were held in Abu Dhabi and Geneva in January and February. Progress was made on technical issues, such as a significant exchange of prisoners of war (314 people), but no breakthrough on political issues.
In March and April, the negotiation process was practically suspended. The main mediators, especially the US, have shifted their attention to the escalating conflict in the Middle East (between the US/Israel and Iran).
The Trump administration has set a June 2026 deadline for reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.
President Zelensky has expressed readiness for negotiations “at any time”, but insists that he will not accept an agreement at the expense of national sovereignty. Kiev is focusing on internal reforms in the army, while diplomacy has stalled.
The Kremlin says that negotiations are not a “top priority” at the moment. Moscow continues to insist on recognition of the occupied territories as Russian sovereignty, which remains the biggest obstacle.
The US is proposing a 28-point plan, including territorial concessions and elections in Ukraine. The EU, for its part, is preparing a “coalition of the willing” to secure a possible ceasefire.
Although Zelensky’s adviser, Kirill Budanov, recently noted that the parties “understand the limits of what is acceptable,” the talks remain deadlocked. Russia is in no hurry to resume dialogue, and Ukraine is preparing for prolonged hostilities through new defense sector reforms. As the June deadline approaches, new diplomatic pressure is expected.