Trump pressures Zelensky to reach peace deal with Russia

US President Donald Trump has renewed pressure on Ukraine to reach a negotiated settlement with Russia, saying Kyiv must be willing to end the war as his special envoy Steve Witkoff pursues fresh diplomatic efforts to revive peace negotiations.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said Ukraine needed to agree to a settlement, arguing that Russia had continued to gain ground in the conflict.

“Ukraine has to want to settle this war,” Trump said, according to Reuters.

He described Russia as a powerful military force that continued to advance and urged Kyiv to recognise the situation on the battlefield.

Trump's remarks came as Witkoff held talks in Oslo, Norway, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

European and NATO representatives also participated in discussions aimed at developing a coordinated approach to ending the conflict.

According to Reuters, the talks addressed key elements of a possible peace framework, including security guarantees for Ukraine, post-war economic arrangements and broader European security concerns.

Witkoff was expected to travel to St Petersburg on Wednesday to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and present proposals discussed with Ukraine and its European partners.

Zelensky said Ukraine remained interested in negotiations but stressed the importance of credible security guarantees to prevent renewed Russian aggression after any agreement.

He also indicated that Kyiv wanted discussions involving the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and the United States, rather than negotiations that would leave Ukraine’s future to decisions made by others.

Norway’s Støre described the Oslo discussions as constructive, while Stubb said the peace process appeared to be moving forward.

However, significant disagreements remain over the terms of any settlement.

The diplomatic initiative comes amid strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.

The Associated Press reported that Trump’s recent decisions concerning Russia sanctions and military support have raised concerns among Ukrainian officials and some Western lawmakers about the future of US assistance.

Meanwhile, Zelensky said the United States had resumed providing early warnings about incoming Russian missile attacks after a period of disruption.

Such information is important for protecting civilians and allowing Ukrainian authorities to respond to aerial threats.

Russia’s invasion, launched in February 2022, has devastated communities across Ukraine and left the future of occupied territories, security arrangements and accountability unresolved.

Although Washington is seeking a negotiated end to the conflict, no comprehensive peace agreement has been announced.

Witkoff’s planned meeting with Putin is expected to test whether the latest proposals can bridge the differences between Moscow and Kyiv.