Trump understands how to put leverage on Ukraine and Russia to reach agreement - US ambassador

Whitaker assured that the US continues to push for progress and is sending special envoy Steve Witkoff and the US leader’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to the negotiations to help the parties develop a "multi-point and complicated peace deal."

The ambassador noted that there was good news over the weekend regarding the negotiations.

"I think we are making significant progress. At the same time, it's going to take both sides. President Trump understands how to put leverage on both the Russians and Ukrainians to get them to hammer out this deal and to keep making progress. And, you know, I am optimistic. I am full of hope," the diplomat said.

Whitaker also warned that there could come a point when Trump decides that reaching an agreement is impossible. At that point, the US leader may abandon his peace initiatives.

Trump’s disappointment

Yesterday, December 7, US President Donald Trump said he was somewhat disappointed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had "not yet read" the proposals on ending the war, which were discussed at a meeting of Ukrainian and US officials in Miami.

At the same time, Politico sources reported that the US is insisting that Ukraine give up the Donbas and hand the territory over to Russia.

Informed sources speaking to RBC-Ukraine said that the main point of contention in the negotiations between Ukraine and the US remains territorial issues.

More details on the peace process can be found in the RBC-Ukraine report.