President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he was “a little disappointed” that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had not yet read a proposed U.S. plan aimed at ending the war with Russia, signaling a new layer of tension within ongoing diplomatic efforts to chart a pathway toward peace. The remarks, delivered to reporters and first reported by AFP, come as Washington intensifies its mediation attempts amid a conflict approaching its third year.
Trump’s comments followed a series of discussions between American representatives and leaders on both sides of the war. “We spoke with President [Vladimir] Putin, and we spoke with Ukrainian leaders, including President Zelensky,” Trump said. “I must say I’m a little disappointed that President Zelensky has not yet reviewed the proposal — as of a few hours ago.” His statement underscores the fragility of the negotiation process and the differing expectations among stakeholders.
Talks held on Saturday between U.S. officials and Ukrainian counterparts ended without a breakthrough. While Zelensky reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing what he called “a real peace,” details of the discussions suggest that significant gaps remain. American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — both of whom previously met with President Putin in Moscow — have been central figures in the dialogue. Russia, according to AFP, has rejected substantial portions of the U.S. proposal.
The peace plan itself has gone through multiple revisions since its initial introduction in November, following international criticism that it leaned too heavily in Moscow’s favor. Advocates of a negotiated settlement argue that recalibrating the plan is essential to securing broader international legitimacy, while Kyiv continues to emphasize its red lines on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and long-term security guarantees.
The geopolitical stakes remain high. As the conflict grinds on, Western leaders face mounting pressure to support Ukraine militarily while simultaneously exploring diplomatic solutions that could prevent further escalation. For Zelensky, the balance between addressing allies’ expectations and maintaining domestic political credibility grows increasingly delicate. For Trump, whose foreign-policy posture frequently spotlights deal-making, the delays appear to raise concerns about Kyiv’s responsiveness.
The next round of negotiations is expected in the coming days, though neither Washington nor Kyiv has indicated when — or if — concrete progress may emerge. What remains clear is that both sides face shrinking margins for diplomatic missteps in a war that has reshaped European security and global politics.