U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia and Ukraine are “very close to a deal,” following a meeting in Moscow between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Ukraine was not involved in the discussions, Trump described the negotiations as a “good day,” and the Kremlin termed the talks “constructive.”
Trump stated on social media that “most of the major points are agreed to,” and encouraged both nations to hold high-level meetings to finalize the agreement. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his Friday night address, insisted that Russia must be placed under “real pressure” to agree to an unconditional ceasefire. Speaking to the BBC earlier, Zelensky noted that territorial discussions could be considered only after such a ceasefire is in place.
Reports indicate the U.S.-backed proposal may require Ukraine to surrender large areas annexed by Russia. While in Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral, Trump told reporters he supported Russia retaining Crimea, annexed in 2014—a stance Zelensky firmly opposes.
Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion has left it in control of nearly 20% of Ukraine. On Friday, traffic in Moscow was halted as Witkoff’s convoy arrived for what would be his fourth trip to Russia this year. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov later said the three-hour talks brought Russian and U.S. positions “closer together,” especially concerning Ukraine, and suggested direct Ukraine-Russia negotiations could soon resume.
Putin recently signaled a willingness to negotiate with Zelensky, likely in response to a proposed 30-hour Easter ceasefire extension. However, no such ceasefire has yet materialized. Trump continues to urge Kyiv to accept territorial compromises, particularly around Crimea, a point of deep contention. Zelensky maintains that only Ukrainians can determine the status of their land, though he acknowledged Ukraine currently lacks the military capability to reclaim Crimea.
Though the U.S. peace plan remains confidential, leaked reports suggest it allows Russia to retain its territorial gains and blocks Ukraine from joining NATO. European and Ukrainian proposals differ significantly, insisting on a ceasefire before any territorial decisions.
While the Witkoff-Putin meeting took place, Trump remained optimistic about a peace deal and criticized Ukraine for delaying a separate Rare Earths agreement. He said Zelensky had failed to sign the deal, which was supposed to be finalized in February but was delayed following a tense meeting in Washington.
Despite Trump’s push for resolution, Ukraine was excluded from the Moscow talks. On Friday, Zelensky chastised Russia for ignoring a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire and called on allies to increase pressure on Moscow. He also blamed North Korean-supplied Russian missiles for a deadly strike on Kyiv, which killed 12 and injured dozens, noting that many missile components were U.S.-made.
In a dramatic social media post following the Kyiv strike, Trump publicly urged Putin to stop the war. However, he later appeared to blame Ukraine for the conflict’s origins, citing their intent to join NATO. Meanwhile, tensions escalated further after a senior Russian general died in a car bomb attack in Moscow, an incident the Kremlin blamed on Ukraine—though Kyiv has not responded.
