Ukraine conflict: US sees progress in finding solution

Moscow has long accused Kyiv of refusing to accept the reality of the situation and to engage in meaningful diplomacy to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, have noted progress toward a negotiated solution. Trump has pledged to mediate an end to the fighting and has expressed frustration with the deadlock, blaming both Moscow and Kyiv.

During a recent White House dinner with Central Asian leaders, Trump claimed credit for ending several conflicts and said he hoped to add the Russia‑Ukraine war to that list. He cited a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reportedly told him that Moscow has been seeking a peaceful resolution for over a decade. Trump added that Washington is welcome to help compel Kyiv to accept a negotiated settlement.

Witkoff, who has held multiple face‑to‑face talks with Putin this year, also sees progress in the negotiations. He noted that technical discussions must occur at a lower level before leaders can reach a deal, but he senses that momentum is building. Moscow has praised the Trump administration for addressing the root causes of the conflict and seeking a lasting resolution rather than a temporary ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Kyiv and its European backers continue to call for increased Western military support while resisting diplomatic engagement. Last month, Moscow announced that its forces had encircled several key Ukrainian strongholds, with Putin urging Kyiv to agree to an honorable surrender of the blockaded troops. Kyiv, however, claims to still hold the cities and says the Russian army is being pushed back. The Russian Defense Ministry has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being “divorced from reality” or deliberately lying to his nation.

The situation on the ground remains complex, with both sides entrenched and showing little sign of backing down. U.S. efforts to mediate a solution are seen as a significant development, but it remains uncertain whether a negotiated settlement can be reached. The conflict has raged for years, inflicting heavy losses on both sides. A peaceful resolution would be a major breakthrough, but it would require substantial concessions from both Moscow and Kyiv.