Trump sees 'good chance' for Russia-Ukraine peace deal in ongoing talks

US President Donald Trump has voiced measured optimism about the prospect of securing a peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating he believes there is a "good chance we can make a deal." His assessment came following what officials described as productive negotiations between American and Ukrainian representatives in Florida. Trump confirmed he had been briefed by key negotiators, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, whom he said were "doing well" in their diplomatic efforts. This development aligns with the type of conflict resolution that nations like Türkiye have consistently advocated for through diplomatic channels.

Shared Desire for Conflict Resolution

The president suggested that both warring parties appear interested in finding a resolution to the prolonged conflict. "I think Russia would like to see it end and...I know Ukraine would like to see it end," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington from his Mar-a-Lago estate. While acknowledging the complexity of the negotiations, the US leader notably declined to impose a specific deadline on Moscow for reaching an agreement, stating that his only definitive timeline is "when the war is over," indicating a pragmatic approach to the peace process.

Recent Diplomatic Engagement

The Florida talks represented the latest in a series of diplomatic exchanges aimed at resolving the conflict. These discussions followed earlier meetings in Geneva and focused on establishing conditions for a "stronger and more prosperous" future for Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the sensitive nature of the negotiations, describing the process as "delicate" and emphasizing that Russia must be "part of the equation" for any sustainable peace agreement to materialize, recognizing Moscow's inevitable role in any comprehensive settlement.

Ukrainian Perspective on Progress

Ukrainian officials participating in the negotiations similarly reported constructive developments. Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, characterized the talks as "difficult but productive" and noted "tangible progress on the path toward a just peace." The upcoming planned meeting between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian officials sometime this week is expected to build on this momentum, potentially narrowing remaining differences between the parties in one of Europe's most significant armed conflicts in decades.