President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, noting they are making “progress” towards a peace agreement. However, he acknowledged the complexity of resolving the conflict, describing it as “difficult.”
While addressing reporters on Air Force One Tuesday night, Trump provided updates on the Ukraine-Russia discussions. He mentioned that U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to engage in dialogues in Moscow, possibly accompanied by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
“We’re having productive discussions,” Trump stated. “Ukraine is doing well, and I believe they’re fairly pleased with the direction. I’d like to see a resolution soon, but it will take some time. Nonetheless, we’re making headway.”
Trump remarked, “We settled eight conflicts, and I assumed this one would be simpler due to my relationship with President Putin, but it turns out to be among the more challenging ones. There’s significant animosity involved.”
President Donald Trump chats with reporters aboard Air Force One during his journey from Japan to South Korea on October 29. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Trump also highlighted Europe’s significant role in ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent any further Russian aggression.
The Trump administration had come under scrutiny last week after presenting a 28-point peace plan to U.S. lawmakers. Some lawmakers, including Republicans, initially described it as a “wish list” for Russia.
President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll sit before closed-door talks with Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak (not pictured) on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, at the U.S. Mission in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 23, 2025. (REUTERS/Emma Farge)
Trump downplayed that plan while speaking Tuesday night, telling reporters that it was “just a map.”
“All that was was a map. That was not a plan. It was, a concept. And from there they’re taking each one of the 28 points, and then you get down to 22 points. A lot of them were solved and actually very favorably solved. So, so we’ll see how we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Russia and Ukraine are headed toward a peace agreement, President Trump says. (Maxim Shemetov/Pool/Reuters; Ludovic Marin/Pool via Reuters)
While the talks are moving quickly, Trump said he does not have a deadline for securing a deal.
“The deadline for me is when it’s over,” he said. “I think everybody’s tired of fighting at this moment. They are losing, losing too many people.”
