Trump is pressuring Ukraine to accelerate peace negotiations with Russia

In a significant development in the diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Eastern Europe, US President Donald Trump urged the Ukrainian side to "move quickly" in the ongoing negotiations regarding the proposed peace plan to end the war with Russia. These remarks come at a sensitive time as the parties involved prepare for a new round of talks, amid concerns about shifting realities on the ground and in the political arena.

Warnings against stalling and a change in the Russian position

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the US president revealed that negotiators were “very close to reaching an agreement,” indicating tangible progress in the talks. However, Trump delivered a direct message to the Ukrainian leadership, saying, “I hope Ukraine moves quickly… Every time they drag it out, Russia changes its mind.” This statement reflects the US administration’s concern that delaying a compromise could harden Russia’s stance or lead to the Kremlin raising its demands, potentially complicating the chances of a swift and peaceful resolution.

The highly anticipated Miami meeting: Key figures at the table

All eyes will be on Miami, Florida, this weekend, where Russian and American envoys are scheduled to hold a crucial meeting. While the White House has officially remained tight-lipped about the participants, media reports, most notably from Politico, indicate that the American delegation will include figures very close to Trump: Special Envoy to Ukraine Steve Witkopf and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Russia, on the other hand, will be represented by a prominent economic and political figure: the Kremlin's Special Envoy for Economic Affairs, Kirill Dmitriev. This suggests that the talks may cover economic issues and future guarantees, in addition to security and political matters.

Features of the American plan and security guarantees

These intensified diplomatic efforts follow meetings held in Berlin between American, Ukrainian, and European officials, where some aspects of the American plan were amended. Leaks suggest that the revised plan may require Kyiv to make painful territorial concessions in exchange for security guarantees that Washington describes as “very strong.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there has been “progress” toward a joint settlement between Kyiv and Washington to present to Moscow, but he also warned that Russia is preparing for another year of “war” in 2026, placing additional pressure on negotiators to seize the current opportunity.

International context and challenges of ending the conflict

This development is of paramount importance given the ongoing war's impact on global stability, energy markets, and the economy. On one hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserts that the objectives of his military campaign "will undoubtedly be achieved." On the other hand, the West, led by the United States, seeks a face-saving exit for Ukraine and an end to the bloodshed. Observers believe that the involvement of figures as prominent as Kushner and Wojcic reflects Trump's personal desire to resolve this issue quickly as a priority of his foreign policy, considering the current plan to be Kyiv's last chance to secure a balanced agreement before the situation changes.