Trump's Peace Push Faces Hurdles as Zelenskiy, Putin Resist Key Concessions

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's handling of a U.S. peace proposal aimed at ending the war with Russia. Trump told reporters on Sunday that Zelenskiy had yet to review the proposal, despite his team's support. "His people love it, but he hasn't," Trump said, noting that Russia appeared to be in favor according to Bloomberg.

The U.S. had previously announced a "framework of security arrangements" with Kyiv, but no major breakthroughs have materialized. Zelenskiy, on his part, has acknowledged constructive but difficult talks with U.S. envoys and has been in contact with European leaders ahead of further negotiations. "The conversation was constructive, although not easy," Zelenskiy said in a social media post according to Reuters.

Leaders from France, Germany, and the UK are set to meet Zelenskiy in London on Monday to discuss the U.S. peace efforts, as Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The European leaders are expected to reinforce the importance of long-term security guarantees and sustained military aid for Ukraine according to Bloomberg.

The U.S. and Russia Stance

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow earlier this week. Trump praised the meeting as "very good," noting that Putin appeared interested in reaching a deal. However, the Kremlin has not yet endorsed the U.S. proposals, and Russian officials have pointed to unresolved issues, particularly regarding the status of occupied territories according to ABC News.

Putin, in his own remarks, emphasized that the U.S. plan included concessions Russia could not accept. "Difficult work remains," he said, while acknowledging the U.S. effort as a necessary step. The Russian leader also reiterated his stance that Ukraine should withdraw from the Donbas region, a demand Zelenskiy has rejected according to Sky News.

Zelenskiy's Diplomatic Outreach

Zelenskiy has been actively engaging with both U.S. and European officials in recent days. He held a call with Witkoff and Kushner and plans to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German leader Friedrich Merz in London according to Reuters.

European leaders have backed a step-by-step diplomatic approach, emphasizing long-term security guarantees and military support for Ukraine. In contrast, Trump has focused on rapid deal-making and burden-sharing, which some analysts warn could make negotiations more fragile according to Reuters.

The Road Ahead

U.S. special envoy Witkoff and Kushner are set to meet with Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov in Florida for further talks. The U.S. side believes a framework has been largely worked out with Ukraine, but Trump admitted the outcome remains uncertain. "What comes out of that meeting I can't tell you because it does take two to tango," he said according to ABC News.

Ukraine has also faced domestic challenges, including a major corruption scandal involving Zelenskiy's chief of staff and a surge in Russian advances on the eastern front. These developments complicate the peace process, as Kyiv seeks to balance its security needs with diplomatic efforts according to The Guardian.

Broader Geopolitical Context

As peace talks continue, other global actors are also shaping the diplomatic landscape. Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India, where he is expected to discuss economic and military cooperation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi according to The Guardian. Meanwhile, Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán has announced a business delegation to Russia in anticipation of a post-war economic landscape according to SCMP.

With no clear resolution in sight, Ukraine and its allies are pushing for continued pressure on Russia while seeking durable peace terms. The European Union is also preparing to decide on funding for Ukraine using Russia's frozen assets, a move aimed at addressing the country's looming financial crisis according to The Guardian.