United States President Donald Trump has intensified his diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, emphasizing both urgency and resolve. In a series of remarks on Thursday and Friday, Trump outlined his plan to pressure Russia into accepting Ukraine’s military sovereignty and reaching a peace agreement.

According to reports, the Trump administration is advocating for Russia to recognize Ukraine's right to maintain its own military and defense industry. US envoy Steve Witkoff is leading the dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging not only demilitarization reversal but also the return of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and access to the Dnieper River for Ukraine. Additionally, Washington is demanding the recovery of occupied territories in Kharkiv.

Trump has expressed confidence that Putin will listen. “I do, yeah,” he told reporters when asked if he believes the Russian leader will heed his call to end strikes. On Truth Social, Trump condemned Russia’s recent airstrikes on Kiev, calling them “not necessary” and urging, “Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”

The US president also stated that Russia appears ready to make significant concessions, including not seizing all of Ukraine. “They are committed to stopping the war,” Trump affirmed, noting that pressure from the United States has brought Moscow to the negotiating table. “It takes two to tango,” he added, underscoring Ukraine’s role in the peace process.

However, Trump was firm on one contentious point: Crimea. In an interview with Time magazine, he stated unequivocally, “Crimea will stay with Russia,” asserting that even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky understands this reality. Trump placed blame for Crimea’s annexation on former President Barack Obama, stating, “This is Obama’s war.”

Meanwhile, Russian and US officials agreed to continue discussions “in the most active mode,” following a three-hour Kremlin meeting. Talks included the potential resumption of direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides reporting progress.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, after meeting with Trump, admitted uncertainty over Putin’s true intentions, remarking, “I've stopped trying to read his mind.” While Rutte believes a resolution is possible, he emphasized the next step must come from Moscow and denied any suggestion that NATO would press Ukraine into a Russia-friendly agreement.

Trump concluded by stressing he has his own deadline for peace. “After that, we are going to have a very different attitude on Russia and Ukraine,” he warned, hinting at tougher measures if diplomacy stalls.