In a development that has once again positioned Donald Trump at the centre of international diplomacy, the former U.S. President claimed that Russia and Ukraine are “very close to a deal,” following a high-stakes meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Steven Witkoff, a U.S. envoy known for his proximity to Trump’s political circle. Trump’s comments, which were made via social media on Friday, suggest that the two warring nations may be inching toward a historic resolution after over three years of conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Trump’s Bold Declaration and Call to Action

Trump announced that the outcome of the Putin-Witkoff meeting was encouraging and stressed that it was time for "very high-level talks" to finalize a peace agreement. “They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to ‘finish it off,’” Trump wrote. He emphasized the urgency of ending the war, calling it "cruel and senseless," and pledged American support to facilitate the conclusion of the negotiations.

Trump’s statement reads with both optimism and urgency, suggesting that most of the major points of the agreement are already settled. He called upon both sides to “stop the bloodshed, NOW,” positioning himself once again as a global peace broker ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where foreign policy is expected to play a key role.

Kremlin Responds with Optimism

Backing Trump’s sentiment, Yuri Ushakov, a senior aide to President Putin, provided an official response from the Kremlin. Speaking to reporters, Ushakov called the meeting between Putin and Witkoff both “constructive” and “very useful.” The discussions, he said, not only helped align U.S. and Russian perspectives on the Ukrainian conflict but also covered a range of other international concerns.

Most significantly, Ushakov confirmed that the discussion included the possibility of resuming direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine—something that hasn’t happened since the early weeks of the war. “This conversation allowed Russia and the United States to further bring their positions closer together,” he said, implying a notable shift in tone after years of cold diplomacy.

No Comment from US Envoy Witkoff

At the time of reporting, Steven Witkoff had not issued a public statement regarding his meeting with Putin. As a real estate developer and long-time associate of Trump, Witkoff’s emergence as a diplomatic figure in this context has raised eyebrows, but his role in bridging the divide between Moscow and Washington appears to be gaining traction—especially in the eyes of Trump supporters.

The Crimea Controversy Resurfaces

Amid hopes for peace, Trump’s comments in a Time magazine interview stirred new controversy. He reiterated his position that Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, would “stay with Russia,” a stance that has drawn criticism not only from the international community but also from within Ukraine. “Zelenskyy understands that, and everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time,” Trump said.

Crimea, located along the Black Sea, has long been a strategic and symbolic flashpoint. While the West and Ukraine continue to reject Russia’s claim, Trump’s latest remarks have reignited concerns about the future of occupied Ukrainian territories in any peace deal.

Zelenskyy Pushes Back—Cautiously

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, when asked about Trump’s statement, declined to offer a direct comment but reaffirmed his longstanding position: Ukraine will not accept any deal that cedes occupied territories to Russia. “Recognizing occupied Ukrainian territory as Russian is a red line for our country,” he repeated, echoing the official stance held since the beginning of the invasion.

Zelenskyy has consistently maintained that territorial integrity is non-negotiable, and any peace agreement that includes concessions on land—especially Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk—would not be acceptable to the Ukrainian people or parliament.

Peace Talk Realities: The Road Ahead

Despite the flurry of activity and public optimism from figures like Trump and the Kremlin, significant obstacles remain on the road to peace. The lack of recent direct communication between Russia and Ukraine underscores the deep mistrust and opposing visions for the future.

While both sides appear to be signaling openness to discussions, the details of the proposed deal remain unclear. Key issues like the status of eastern Ukrainian territories, security guarantees, reconstruction aid, and NATO’s role in the region are likely to be sticking points in any future negotiation.

Additionally, it remains uncertain whether Zelenskyy’s government is willing to engage in high-level talks under the current circumstances, especially if any preconditions involve territorial concessions that would undermine the sovereignty of Ukraine.

Geopolitical Implications

Trump’s reentry into the global stage through this peace narrative has geopolitical consequences, especially considering the upcoming U.S. elections. His support base may view him as a peacemaker, particularly in contrast with the Biden administration, which has largely backed Ukraine with military and financial support while maintaining a hard stance against Russia.

For Moscow, Trump’s support of its claim to Crimea and openness to negotiation offers a rare diplomatic opening, especially amidst ongoing sanctions and international condemnation.

For Ukraine, however, the situation is more complex. Accepting a deal that compromises on territorial integrity could fracture domestic unity and draw criticism from Western allies, many of whom have emphasized that Russia must be held accountable for its invasion and war crimes.

Conclusion

The evolving statements from Trump and the Kremlin suggest that behind-the-scenes diplomacy is gaining momentum, and the international community is watching closely. While Trump’s claim that a deal is “very close” offers a glimmer of hope, ground realities and entrenched positions continue to stand in the way of a final resolution.

Whether the Putin-Witkoff meeting turns out to be a turning point in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, or simply another round of diplomatic posturing, remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the world is once again witnessing a moment of high-stakes diplomacy, with peace possibly within reach—but only if all parties are willing to compromise without forsaking core values.

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