Trump Directs New Diplomatic Missions While Awaiting Substantial Progress

The American president ordered fresh talks in Russia and Ukraine while maintaining conditional terms for his personal involvement in peace negotiations. Trump announced he would meet with Putin and Zelensky only when discussions produce a nearly finalized agreement.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff received authorization for Moscow discussions with President Putin, while Army Secretary Dan Driscoll shifted to engagement with Ukrainian officials. The parallel missions reflect the administration’s strategy to pursue simultaneous negotiations with both parties.
Trump claimed tremendous advancement over recent days on a peace framework that has undergone multiple revisions. According to the president, remaining points of disagreement have narrowed significantly, though these involve core issues.
The original American proposal generated intense backlash from Kyiv and European capitals, requiring substantial modifications. Subsequent negotiating rounds have produced revisions that administration officials claim address many concerns raised by Ukraine and its allies.
Ukrainian President Zelensky maintained a measured public stance, expressing appreciation for American efforts while carefully avoiding confirmation of agreement on specific terms. European leaders conducted a coordination call that included Zelensky and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.