On Thursday, December 18, President Trump stated that he believes negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine are “close to reaching some kind of consensus.” Currently, U.S. officials are planning to meet with Russian officials this weekend, with full efforts to bring about a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
“I believe that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine are making progress,” Trump told reporters during an event in the Oval Office.
He also expressed his hope for Ukraine to take swift action, saying, “I hope Ukraine can take action as soon as possible.”
White House officials revealed that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner plan to meet with a Russian delegation in Miami over the weekend. The U.S. is continuing efforts to facilitate an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to end the invasion launched by Russia in 2022.
Previously, Witkoff and Kushner held a two-day meeting with the Ukrainian delegation in Berlin on Sunday and Monday. U.S. officials stated that following the meeting, they believed that the differences between the two sides were “not insurmountable.”
An American official disclosed earlier on Monday that about 90% of the issues between Russia and Ukraine have been resolved, but pointed out that the territorial concession issue remains a major sticking point. Russia insists that any solution must meet their demands regarding Ukrainian territory, but polls within Ukraine show that very few people are willing to accept territorial concessions.
Trump remarked, “I hope Ukraine acts quickly because Russia is right there.” This statement apparently refers to recent advances made by Russian forces on the battlefield.
In an effort to resolve the territorial deadlock, the U.S. has proposed a “inspiring” new concept, including the development of an “economic free zone,” attempting to ease sovereignty disputes through economic incentive schemes.
Of greater concern, according to a proposed peace agreement, Ukraine may receive security guarantees akin to Article 5 of the NATO “Collective Defense Treaty,”. If this unprecedented proposal can be realized, it will become a key factor in ending this nearly four-year-long war.