Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that “very good talks” are ongoing regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine, signaling potential movement in long-running diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Speaking briefly to reporters, Trump offered few details but suggested that negotiations could lead to meaningful developments. “Very, very good talks today, having to do with Russia-Ukraine. Something could be happening,” he said.

Trump has repeatedly vowed to end the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, more than a year into his second term, that promise has yet to be fulfilled. The conflict remains one of the most significant geopolitical crises in Europe, with fighting continuing along multiple fronts and no comprehensive peace agreement in place.

According to a Reuters report published Friday, U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious target of March for Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace deal. Sources familiar with the talks cautioned that the timeline is likely to slip due to deep disagreements, particularly over territorial issues. Control of occupied regions remains the most sensitive and unresolved topic in negotiations, making a swift agreement difficult.

The report also noted that the United States and Ukraine have explored the possibility of holding a referendum and elections as early as May, although these discussions remain preliminary. Such proposals would depend heavily on security conditions and political consensus, both domestically in Ukraine and internationally.

Despite the challenges, there have been limited signs of progress. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Thursday that delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia had agreed to an exchange of 314 prisoners of war. Prisoner swaps have been one of the few areas where cooperation has been possible since the war began and are often seen as confidence-building measures.

While Trump’s comments suggest optimism, analysts note that peace talks remain fragile and complex. Any breakthrough would require concessions from all sides and sustained diplomatic pressure. For now, the international community is watching closely to see whether these “very good talks” can translate into concrete steps toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war.