After nearly two years of war in Eastern Europe, the United States is finally helping bring the Russia-Ukraine conflict closer to an end. On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the latest round of peace talks between the two countries was the most productive yet. These talks, guided by a plan from President Donald Trump’s administration, may offer the best chance yet to stop the fighting and begin rebuilding Ukraine.
The new peace framework includes 28 key points. These cover everything from long-term security for Ukraine to the possibility of Russia being allowed back into the global economy. While not every issue is settled, Rubio said the remaining disagreements are not too difficult to solve. “We just need more time,” he told reporters, but he was confident the two sides are moving in the right direction.
President Trump had set Thanksgiving as an informal deadline to reach an agreement, pushing both sides to act quickly. Though he expressed frustration early Sunday over what he saw as a lack of gratitude from Ukraine and continued oil purchases from Europe to Russia, the situation quickly shifted. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later thanked the United States and Trump personally, recognizing the role U.S. support has played in defending Ukraine.
The United States has played a central role in these talks—not only by providing weapons and aid but also by pushing for a peace deal that protects Ukraine without giving Russia a clear victory. The Trump administration’s approach has been firm: peace must come with respect for Ukraine’s independence and must prevent future wars.
This war has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives and caused massive damage across Ukraine. The longer it drags on, the more dangerous it becomes—not just for Eastern Europe, but for the United States and its allies. A long war risks pulling the U.S. into deeper involvement and drains resources that could be better spent at home. It also gives China and Iran more room to test American strength elsewhere.
Ending this war with dignity for Ukraine and security for Europe is in our national interest. A stable Eastern Europe means fewer chances for Russia to cause trouble across the region. It also means energy prices can stabilize, especially if Europe scales back its dependence on Russian oil and gas. That’s good news for American families dealing with high costs at the pump and in the grocery store.
The Trump administration’s peace plan also includes clear limits on future Russian aggression. Any final deal will need to make sure Ukraine is not left weak or vulnerable. It’s not peace if Russia can just regroup and attack again in a few years.
For the United States, this is about more than just helping another country. It’s about showing American strength through smart leadership. Instead of endless wars and blank checks, President Trump has pushed for results. The fact that both Ukraine and Russia are still at the table shows that this approach is working.
The joint U.S. statement from Sunday makes it clear—progress is real, and both sides know what’s at stake. Final decisions will rest with the leaders of Ukraine and the United States. But it’s the kind of diplomacy that reflects American values: peace through strength, freedom through security, and leadership that puts our interests first.
If the talks continue to move forward, the world may soon see the end of one of the most dangerous wars in recent memory. And if that happens, it will be in no small part because the United States, under President Trump, refused to let this war drag on without direction. Instead, we stepped in, set a course, and demanded results. That’s what leadership looks like—and the world is taking notice.