By Ginika Igboke
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Dec. 26 that he expects to meet U.S. President Donald Trump “in the near future,” possibly before the end of the year, raising hopes that direct talks between the two leaders could accelerate efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
In a social media post, Zelenskyy said Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, had briefed him on recent contacts with U.S. officials and confirmed that preparations were underway for a high-level meeting.
“We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level—with President Trump in the near future,” Zelenskyy wrote. “A lot can be decided before the New Year.”
The announcement followed Zelenskyy’s Christmas Eve appeal for direct talks with Trump to resolve what he described as the most sensitive and unresolved issues in any peace agreement with Moscow, including territorial control and long-term security guarantees.
Zelenskyy said those issues could only be settled at the leaders’ level, once Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators finalize a political framework for ending the conflict. That framework has reportedly been narrowed to 20 points from an earlier 28-point draft that Kyiv and its European partners criticized as overly favorable to Russia.
Talks Intensify as Year’s End Approaches
According to Zelenskyy, the revised framework was shaped during weekend talks in Florida between Ukrainian officials and a U.S. team led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
“This is a foundational political document on ending the war—between us, America, Europe, and the Russians,” Zelenskyy told reporters during a Dec. 23 briefing, outlining the 20-point plan. “We are ready for a leaders’ meeting with the United States to address sensitive issues. Territorial questions must be discussed at that level.”
On Dec. 25, Zelenskyy said he held a nearly hour-long conversation with Witkoff and Kushner, describing it as a “truly good conversation” that helped clarify timing and formats for advancing negotiations.
“We have some new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and timing on how to bring real peace closer,” he said, adding that further discussions between Umerov and the U.S. team were expected.
“Some documents are already prepared. There is still work to be done on sensitive issues, but together with the American team, we understand how to move forward. The coming weeks may be intensive.”
Zelenskyy also said he would consult with European leaders to maintain unity around the emerging plan.
“Real security, real recovery, and real peace—this is what must be achieved,” he said.
Moscow Cites ‘Slow but Steady’ Progress
Russian officials have offered a more guarded assessment. On Dec. 25, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said negotiations with Washington were making “slow but steady progress,” while accusing Western European governments of attempting to undermine diplomatic efforts.
She urged the United States to counter what she described as efforts by European allies to derail talks.
Her comments followed remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Dec. 17, when he said Moscow would pursue its war aims “unconditionally.”
“If they do not want a substantive discussion,” Putin said, “then Russia will liberate its historical lands on the battlefield.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was reviewing recent developments after receiving a report from negotiator Kirill Dmitriev and would continue contacts “as soon as possible.”
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov reiterated Russia’s opposition to a temporary cease-fire, saying Moscow seeks a “sustainable cessation of hostilities” that addresses what it considers the conflict’s root causes, including territorial claims and security arrangements.
Kyiv Says Agreement Is Within Reach
Despite Moscow’s cautious tone, Zelenskyy said on Dec. 22 that talks with the United States and Europe were “very close to a real result,” while accusing Russia of rejecting genuine cease-fire proposals even as it continues its military campaign.
According to Zelenskyy, negotiations center on a 20-point plan that largely reflects a joint Ukrainian-American position, though several key issues remain unresolved.
Kyiv supports ending hostilities along current battle lines, while Moscow is demanding that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the entire Donetsk region, including areas still under Ukrainian control. Another major point of contention is control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe.
Trump, who has pushed both sides toward negotiations, told reporters on Dec. 23 that talks were “going along,” while noting “tremendous hatred” between Zelenskyy and Putin.
He said he would take whatever steps are necessary to end a war that he said “everyone is tired of,” as preparations continue for a possible meeting with the Ukrainian leader.
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