President Trump is working to end the war in Ukraine by trying to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the negotiating table. After meetings with both leaders earlier this month, Trump expressed hope that a face-to-face meeting between them could happen soon. But for now, the Kremlin is pushing back, saying they are not ready for such talks.
Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Russia is open to a meeting, but only if the groundwork is done first. That means teams of experts from both sides would need to meet and prepare detailed plans for what the leaders would discuss. According to Peskov, that kind of behind-the-scenes work is not happening yet. He said Russia has handed Ukraine a written draft of its position, but nothing more has moved forward.
Zelensky has said he’s willing to meet with Putin, but only if Russia agrees to a ceasefire first. Russia refuses. Putin’s government says they want to talk about a full peace deal, not stop the fighting only to return to it later. This shows a deep divide in how each side views the path to peace.
The war continues to rage. Just this week, Russia launched a major missile strike on Kyiv. Russia claims it targeted military buildings, but a residential apartment and offices belonging to the European Union and British Council were also hit. Ukrainian officials say 23 civilians died, including four children. Eight more people are still missing.
Zelensky responded by calling for more sanctions against Russia and stronger international pressure to force Moscow to negotiate. But Russia hit back, accusing Ukraine and its Western allies of hypocrisy, pointing to Ukrainian drone strikes that have killed Russian civilians in recent weeks. Each side blames the other for prolonging the war. Meanwhile, innocent people are paying the price.
From a U.S. national security standpoint, this situation matters for several key reasons.
First, the longer the war drags on, the higher the risk of it spreading beyond Ukraine. If Russia pushes deeper toward NATO borders, the chances of a direct military clash between Russia and NATO rise dramatically. That could pull American troops into a new, wider war—something the American people do not want.
Second, the war is draining U.S. resources. Under the Biden administration, billions of dollars were sent to Ukraine with little accountability. President Trump has pushed to end endless foreign aid and instead focus on peace through strength. A negotiated settlement would help stop the bleeding of American taxpayer money and allow the U.S. to focus on threats closer to home.
Third, the war has disrupted energy markets and food supplies, which affects everyday Americans. Ukraine is a major grain exporter, and Russia is a top energy supplier. When those supplies are threatened, prices go up. Families in the U.S. feel it at the gas pump and the grocery store. Getting the war under control helps stabilize those markets.
Finally, peace in Eastern Europe would send a strong message to China, Iran, and North Korea. If the U.S. can help bring an end to the Ukraine conflict, it shows that America still has global influence and the power to lead. It also means our armed forces can refocus on Asia and the Pacific, where the next major threat is rising.
President Trump understands that peace talks are not a sign of weakness. They are a tool to protect American interests and avoid bigger wars. His push to bring Putin and Zelensky together is not about favoring one side. It’s about stopping the bloodshed, saving American money, and keeping our country safe.
But for now, Russia is stalling. Ukraine is demanding terms that Moscow won’t accept. And the war continues. The path to peace will be hard, but the stakes are too high to ignore. America cannot afford to sit back and hope it ends on its own. Real leadership is required—and that’s what President Trump is trying to deliver.