The Kremlin has expressed strong approval of Donald Trump’s recent national security strategy, describing it as an encouraging shift that aligns closely with Russian perspectives. These remarks came after the release of a White House document on Friday, which criticized the European Union and warned of a potential “civilizational erasure” in Europe, while signaling a desire for improved relations between the United States and Russia.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated on Sunday that the adjustments in U.S. policy resonate with Russian interests, highlighting the Kremlin's hope for a renewed dialogue and stronger ties with Washington. However, Peskov also cautioned that elements within the U.S. government, often referred to as the “deep state,” might attempt to undermine Trump’s vision for cooperation.
As the White House strives to facilitate a peace agreement in Ukraine, U.S. officials assert that negotiations are nearing a crucial stage. Despite these claims, there is scant evidence that either Ukraine or Russia is prepared to endorse the framework deal proposed by Trump's negotiating team.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit Downing Street on Monday for a four-way summit with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Zelenskyy has previously urged European allies to provide support, particularly when the U.S. has sought to persuade Ukraine to relinquish territory.
A significant point of contention for Kyiv revolves around the security guarantees it would receive in exchange for ceding control of certain territories. Zelenskyy reported having a “substantive phone call” with U.S. officials following three days of discussions with a Ukrainian delegation in Florida. These talks occurred after a visit to Moscow by Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
According to sources, the two-hour phone conversation was challenging, yet Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's commitment to collaborating with the U.S. to achieve genuine peace. He noted that key issues necessary to end the conflict and avert a new Russian invasion were discussed.
Despite ongoing discussions, it remains unclear whether the U.S. or Europe are prepared to offer robust security guarantees that would effectively deter future Russian aggression. Additionally, it is improbable that Vladimir Putin would consent to a deal that entails the presence of Western troops in Ukraine. U.S. officials have repeatedly claimed proximity to a viable agreement since Trump began his second term, yet these assertions often seem overly optimistic.
During a defense forum on Saturday, Trump’s outgoing Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, indicated that the administration's efforts to conclude the war are in the “last 10 meters.” He identified two remaining issues: territorial disputes and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
While Kellogg is viewed as sympathetic to Kyiv’s stance, he is set to depart his role in January and was involved in the Florida negotiations. Conversely, other members of Trump’s team, including Witkoff, have been more amenable to Russian positions. Trump’s son, Donald Jr., remarked at a forum in Doha that Zelenskyy might be prolonging the conflict out of fear of losing power if it concludes, asserting that the U.S. would no longer be “the idiot with the chequebook.”
Analysts in Kyiv suggest that the current situation is not dire enough to compel Ukraine to sign any agreement merely to halt the war, although they warn of a challenging winter ahead. Russia continues to target energy infrastructure, causing significant disruptions to power and heating supplies for millions of Ukrainians.
As Ukraine faces its fourth winter of full-scale conflict, exhaustion among the populace is becoming apparent. President Zelenskyy has also been weakened by a corruption scandal implicating several of his associates, leading to the resignation of his influential chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.