As diplomatic efforts to end the nearly three-year-old conflict in Ukraine continue, former President Donald Trump publicly voiced reservations Sunday about Kyiv’s initial response to a U.S.-backed peace proposal. The plan – details of which have been negotiated with both Russian and Ukrainian officials – aims to establish a framework for de-escalation, though its reported terms have drawn scrutiny from both sides and prompted revisions[[1]]. Trump’s comments, made at the Kennedy Center Honors, underscore the delicate balance of ongoing negotiations and the challenges in securing a lasting resolution[[2]], [[3]].
Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed some disappointment Sunday, December 7, 2025, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski’s response to a proposed peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia. The statement comes as diplomatic efforts continue to navigate a path toward a resolution in the ongoing conflict, which has had global repercussions on energy markets and geopolitical stability.
Speaking to reporters at the Kennedy Center Honors, Trump said, “We have been talking to President Putin and with the Ukrainian leaders, including Zelenski, and I have to say I am a little disappointed that President Zelenski hasn’t yet read the proposal, that was a few hours ago.”
The U.S. presented a proposal for ending the conflict several weeks ago, and it is currently the subject of separate negotiations with officials in both Moscow and Kyiv. The plan has undergone multiple revisions since it was initially drafted last month.
Negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian officials, including Zelenski, concluded Saturday without any apparent breakthroughs, though the Ukrainian leader pledged to continue working toward a “real peace.” These meetings followed discussions between U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, where Moscow rejected certain aspects of the U.S. proposal.
The U.S. plan has faced criticism for being perceived as overly lenient toward Russia, which launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Washington has been engaged in ongoing discussions with Kyiv to address concerns and refine the proposal.
Zelenski’s commitment to continued dialogue suggests Ukraine remains open to a negotiated settlement, despite the challenges. The development underscores the complexities of finding a resolution acceptable to all parties involved.
mg (afp, Gulf News)
