Trump Claims Breakthrough in Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations Despite European Skepticism

US officials have acknowledged that "delicate" issues still persist in the Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations.

United States President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that a deal between Ukraine and Russia is "very close," though European leaders maintain skepticism as Russian missiles continue to target Kyiv.

Trump, appearing visibly frustrated at not fulfilling his election promise to swiftly end the conflict, stated, "we're getting very close to a deal."

The initial US proposal, which heavily favored Russia, has been revised to incorporate more of Ukraine's interests. A Ukrainian official informed AFP that this new version is "significantly better."

However, US officials have admitted that several "delicate" matters remain unresolved.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed doubt about a quick resolution, asserting there is "clearly no Russian willingness" for a ceasefire or to consider the revised, more Ukraine-friendly proposal.

Intense discussions have occurred since the weekend, when Ukrainian and US representatives met in Geneva to examine Trump's controversial initial 28-point plan to resolve the bloody conflict.

According to US media reports, the most recent talks involving US and Russian delegates were taking place in Abu Dhabi. Leaders from 30 countries supporting Ukraine also convened via video conference on Tuesday.

US negotiator Dan Driscoll emerged optimistic from meetings with Russian counterparts, with his spokesman stating: "The talks are going well and we remain optimistic."

The White House noted "tremendous progress," while cautioning that "there are a few delicate but not insurmountable details that must be sorted out."

Meanwhile, the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, continued without interruption.

Powerful explosions shook Kyiv starting around 1:00 am (2300 GMT), as Russian drones and missiles struck the city, causing fires in apartment buildings. City officials reported seven fatalities.

AFP reporters observed thick smoke, illuminated red and orange by Ukrainian air defense fire, rising over the capital as residents sought shelter underground in metro stations.

Trump, who has long claimed he could negotiate an end to the Ukraine war within 24 hours, announced last week his desire for Kyiv to approve his peace proposal by this Thursday—the US Thanksgiving holiday.

However, the initial plan, which advanced numerous Russian war objectives, alarmed Ukraine and Europe. Among its provisions were prohibitions on Ukraine ever joining NATO and requirements for Ukraine to surrender significant new territories to Russia.

The updated plan evidently satisfies Ukraine more. The Ukrainian official told AFP that one key improvement was increasing a proposed cap on the country's future military forces from 600,000 to 800,000 members.

Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov stated Tuesday there was "common understanding on the core" of the deal between Ukraine and the US.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that remaining details should be resolved in direct talks "at the earliest suitable date" between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer cautioned: "There's still a long way to go and a tough road ahead."

Russia's military currently occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukraine, much of it devastated by conflict. Tens of thousands of civilians and military personnel have lost their lives, and millions have fled eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian army Sergeant Ivan Zadontsev said negotiating was "healthy."

"We also are getting tired of war. We need a break," he told AFP.

However, he added that the proposals from both the United States and EU "do not serve Ukraine's national interests."