President Donald Trump has expressed strong confidence that he can broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing his commitment to ending the ongoing conflict.
Trump is scheduled to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday and is determined to use any means necessary to bring about a ceasefire.
“We can work out a peace agreement, a ceasefire, and peace.
I believe we’ll be able to do it,” Trump told reporters on Monday.
In a post on Truth Social, he highlighted the grave situation, mentioning that “many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains to be done.”
Trump noted the tragic toll the war has taken, with thousands of young soldiers losing their lives every week. “It must end NOW,” he said.
White House Prepared to Explore All Options for Peace
As Trump prepares for his call with Putin, the White House is keeping all options on the table.
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stated on Fox News Sunday that the U.S. is ready to consider a wide range of strategies, whether it’s agreeing to some of Russia’s territorial demands or implementing further sanctions on Moscow.
“Absolutely, all options are on the table,” Waltz confirmed.
This high-stakes conversation will be the first direct communication between Trump and Putin since Ukraine agreed to support a U.S.-backed monthlong ceasefire, provided Russia reciprocates.
Trump Faces Challenges as Putin Holds Out for More Concessions
While Trump has been vocal about his desire for peace, there are concerns that Putin might be delaying progress in hopes of securing additional concessions.
The White House has warned that if the call does not produce favorable results, further sanctions could be on the table.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the president has indicated a willingness to pursue this option if necessary.
The U.S. is also considering recognizing Crimea as part of Russia, though this would likely be a contentious move.
Diplomatic Push to End the War After Three Years
In an effort to bring the three-year-old conflict to an end, Trump revealed that negotiators have been exploring solutions, including “dividing up certain assets.”
On a recent flight aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters that his envoy, Steve Witkoff, had met with Putin in Moscow as part of the ongoing peace talks.
Witkoff described his talks with Putin as “positive” and “solution-based,” and he believes that significant progress has been made.
“We’ve narrowed the differences between them, and now we’re sitting at the table,” Witkoff shared with CNN.
Crimea’s Controversial Status Still a Major Roadblock
One of the major sticking points in the negotiations is Crimea, a region that has been at the heart of the conflict since Russia’s annexation in 2014.
Crimea, which was internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory before its annexation, continues to be a key issue.
Putin has long considered the region a part of Russia, but Ukraine and much of the international community, including the United States, still see it as Ukrainian land.
The annexation led to Russia’s expulsion from the G8 and sparked significant sanctions from countries around the world.
Zelenksy Opposes Territorial Concessions, European Allies Could Back Him
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains firmly opposed to any territorial concessions, with European allies likely to support his stance.
Trump, however, plans to address the issue of land and power plants with Putin in their upcoming call.
“We’ll be talking about land, a lot of land, and we’ll be discussing power plants, which is a big question,” Trump said.
One of the key points of contention is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, which has been under Russian control since the early days of the war.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Remains a Dangerous Flashpoint
The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has been a major source of concern throughout the conflict.
Despite being seized by Russian forces, the plant has not been supplying power to Ukraine’s grid, and its proximity to active combat zones has raised fears of a potential radiological disaster.
Ukraine has made it clear that it wants the plant back, and its status is expected to be a significant topic of discussion during Trump’s call with Putin.
Moscow Seeks Security Guarantees for Ukraine’s Non-NATO Status
As the peace talks progress, Russia is seeking assurances that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO, a key demand in any potential agreement.
Moscow has also rejected any proposal for Western peacekeeping forces to be stationed in Ukraine, even after a peace deal is reached.
The U.S. administration, however, remains hopeful that a diplomatic solution can be found to address these concerns and move toward peace.
Zelensky Accuses Putin of Stalling the Peace Process
Ukrainian President Zelensky has accused Putin of dragging his feet on the peace talks, signaling that Russia may be stalling to gain further leverage in the negotiations.
However, Zelensky’s team has made it clear that Ukraine is unwilling to strike a deal at any cost.
The Ukrainian president has emphasized that any peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
White House Optimistic About Reaching a Peace Deal
Despite the challenges, the White House remains optimistic about the possibility of reaching a peace agreement.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed confidence, stating, “We have never been closer to a peace deal than we are at this moment.”
President Trump’s determination to resolve the conflict is evident, as the U.S. administration continues to push for a permanent and enduring peace in the region.