President Donald Trump has cautioned Ukraine that the window for a peace deal may be closing due to Russia’s unpredictable nature. In remarks made on Thursday, Trump urged Kyiv to “move quickly” to finalize an agreement. He suggested that extended deliberations often result in Russia changing its mind, potentially derailing progress.
This warning precedes a scheduled meeting in Miami this weekend between Russian delegates and Trump’s envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. The talks are part of a broader diplomatic initiative that recently included negotiations with Ukrainian officials in Berlin. The US administration is evidently seeking to facilitate a rapid conclusion to the war.
“They’re getting close to something,” Trump told reporters, acknowledging the strides made so far. However, he emphasized the risk of delay. “I hope Ukraine moves quickly because… every time they take too much time, then Russia changes their mind.” His comments underscore the fragility of the current diplomatic landscape.
A major point of contention remains the territorial division of Ukraine. Kyiv has adamantly refused to cede any land, particularly the Donbas region, to the invaders. Russia, however, has made territorial concessions a primary condition for peace, creating a significant impasse that negotiators must overcome.
Russia currently occupies Crimea, annexed in 2014, and parts of four other regions following the 2022 invasion. Moscow is demanding full control of the Donbas and a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the area. With Russian negotiators showing little willingness to compromise, Trump’s advice to move quickly implies that the current terms—however difficult—might be the best Ukraine can expect.