Washington, D.C.; December 29th, 2025
President Donald Trump said on December 28th that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about pursuing peace in Ukraine and that negotiations are nearing what he described as a decisive stage, as American, Ukrainian, Russian, and European representatives continue discussions aimed at ending the war.
Speaking publicly ahead of meetings with Ukrainian leadership, President Trump said both nations involved in the conflict want the fighting to end and that continued war would result in catastrophic loss of life if no agreement is reached.
“I do think he is serious,” Trump said when asked whether he believed President Putin genuinely wants peace. “I think they both want to make a deal. Too many people are dying. I think both presidents want to get it done.”
Trump stated that negotiations have progressed further than expected and described the conflict as the most difficult diplomatic effort he has faced, despite initially believing it would be less complex.
“My book, we settled eight wars, and this was the most difficult one,” Trump said. “I thought it would be in the middle of the pack. This is the most difficult one, but we’re going to get it done.”
Negotiations Ongoing With No Fixed Deadline
The President emphasized that while no formal deadline has been set, discussions are moving rapidly, with multiple parties actively engaged.
“I don’t have deadlines,” Trump said. “My deadline is getting the war ended.”
He indicated that negotiations involve security arrangements, economic considerations, and phased implementation, with European nations participating in discussions related to long-term security and protection.
“There will be a security agreement,” Trump said. “It’ll be a strong agreement. The European nations are very much involved.”
Trump praised European governments for their cooperation and alignment with U.S. efforts, stating that they support bringing the conflict to a close and are engaged in the diplomatic process.
Ukrainian Leadership Confirms Progress
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also addressed the negotiations, confirming that American and Ukrainian teams have worked extensively on multiple documents covering ceasefire sequencing, security, and economic recovery.
“Our teams worked on peace plans, prosperity, and security,” Zelensky said. “Sequencing is very important. Our teams talk about strategy step by step to bring this closer.”
Zelensky stated that a 20-point framework is under discussion and that the majority of the plan has already been developed through bilateral work between U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators.
“There are 20 points, and 90 percent was done by our two teams,” Zelensky said. “They did a great job.”
When asked whether Ukraine would be required to make territorial concessions, Zelensky said those matters would be discussed within the framework of the negotiated plan.
Economic Reconstruction and Frozen Assets Undecided
President Trump said that economic rebuilding is a significant component of ongoing talks, noting that Ukraine faces substantial reconstruction needs following years of warfare.
“There are great economic benefits for Ukraine,” Trump said. “There’s a lot of rebuilding to do.”
When asked whether frozen Russian assets held by European countries could be used to rebuild Ukraine, Trump said no final determination has been made.
“None of that’s been determined,” he said. “But it’s going to go very quickly.”
Trump warned that failure to reach an agreement would result in prolonged conflict and further mass casualties.
“It’ll either end or it’s going to go on for a long time,” Trump said. “Millions of additional people are going to be killed. Millions. And nobody wants that.”
Attacks and Continued Fighting Acknowledged
Asked about recent attacks inside Russian territory and whether they undermine peace efforts, Trump said that military actions have occurred on both sides during the conflict and that continued fighting does not necessarily indicate a lack of seriousness about negotiations.
“They’re fighting a war,” Trump said. “We have two willing countries. The people of Ukraine want it to end and the people of Russia want it to end, and the two leaders want it to end.”
Trump added that he plans to speak again with President Putin following meetings with Ukrainian leadership and that discussions with European leaders will continue.
“We’re going to get it ended,” Trump said. “Thank you very much.”
Sources
Primary First-Hand Sources
- THE WHITE HOUSE — Public remarks by President Donald Trump, December 28th, 2025
- OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE — Statements by President Volodymyr Zelensky during joint remarks, December 28th, 2025
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