Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Ukraine to “move quickly” in negotiations over a plan to end the conflict with Russia, increasing pressure on Kyiv to accelerate the process.
“Negotiators are close to reaching a deal, but I hope Ukraine moves fast. Every time things drag on, Russia changes its mind,” Trump said during a press briefing in the Oval Office at the White House.
Talks in Miami, Florida, are scheduled for the weekend, according to an official. However, a report published by Politico said Washington will be represented by U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and adviser, while Moscow will be represented by Kremlin envoy for economic affairs Kirill Dmitriev, Euronews.al reports.
The renewed talks come after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of “progress” in efforts to reach a compromise between Kyiv and Washington over the content of a plan proposed to Moscow to end the war, following meetings on Sunday and Monday between U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials in Berlin.
At the same time, Zelensky warned that Russia is preparing for a “new year of war” in 2026.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, for his part, reiterated on Tuesday that the objectives of the offensive against Ukraine “will undoubtedly be achieved.”
Details of the U.S. plan, following amendments presented in Berlin, remain unknown. Kyiv has objected to the text, arguing that it foresees territorial concessions on Ukraine’s part.
The original draft was described by the Ukrainian government and Kyiv’s European allies as overly favorable to the Kremlin.
