The White House adopted a measured approach to presidential engagement in Ukraine peace talks, with Trump stating he will meet Russian and Ukrainian leaders only after negotiations produce near-complete agreement. Senior American officials continue intensive diplomatic work in both Moscow and Kyiv.
Trump’s directive sends Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to the Russian capital for discussions with Putin while Army Secretary Dan Driscoll transitions to meetings with Ukrainian officials. The coordinated approach aims to address remaining points of contention in what administration officials describe as a substantially improved peace framework.
The initial 28-point American proposal generated fierce backlash from Ukraine and its European supporters, who viewed provisions requiring NATO membership renunciation and territorial concessions as unacceptable. Subsequent negotiating rounds have produced revisions, though core disagreements remain unresolved.
President Zelensky pushed back against media reports suggesting Kyiv had accepted peace terms, clarifying that discussions with the American side continue. Ukrainian officials have expressed strong interest in arranging a Trump-Zelensky meeting, viewing direct presidential engagement as essential for addressing the most sensitive issues.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated Moscow awaits a formal proposal following American consultations with Ukraine and European allies. However, Lavrov cautioned that significant departures from understandings reached during Trump’s Alaska summit with Putin would face Kremlin resistance.