US President Donald Trump signaled cautious optimism about the ongoing talks between American and Ukrainian representatives, saying there was a “good chance” for a potential agreement to halt Russia’s war, even as he acknowledged that Ukraine faces what he described as “difficult problems” tied to corruption. Trump commented on the negotiations while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during his trip from Florida to Washington, noting that discussions were progressing steadily and that his priority was to end the loss of life.

The remarks followed a high-level meeting in Florida on 30 November between a Ukrainian delegation led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. The talks were hosted at Witkoff’s private golf club near Miami and came days after earlier discussions in Geneva. Rubio later told journalists the session had been productive and allowed both sides to continue refining the terms of a US-backed plan intended to bring the conflict to a close while laying the groundwork for Ukraine’s long-term security and economic stability.

Trump said he had been briefed by Rubio and Witkoff shortly after their meeting with the Ukrainians, stressing that their efforts were making headway. When asked to clarify what challenges Kyiv was facing, he pointed to the corruption investigations unfolding within Ukraine’s leadership, including the resignation of Andrii Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s long-time chief of staff, who had stepped down on 28 November after becoming entangled in a major inquiry. Trump commented that this environment “is not helpful” for the diplomatic process, though he added that Russia “would like to see it end” as well.

Rubio described the Florida round as a continuation of the talks held earlier in Switzerland, explaining that negotiators were dealing with sensitive issues, including the conditions for ending hostilities and the vision for Ukraine’s future prosperity. He emphasized that discussions touched not only on the terms needed to stop fighting but also on the framework that would ensure Ukraine remained sovereign, independent, and protected from future aggression. According to Rubio, substantial progress had been achieved, though several matters still required further work, especially since Russia would have to engage directly at a later stage.

Umerov said the Ukrainian side also viewed the talks as constructive, noting “substantial progress” in aligning positions with Washington. After briefing Zelensky by phone, he said Kyiv’s main priorities - security, sovereignty, and a stable peace - remained fully intact and were backed by the American delegation. Zelensky later confirmed that assessment, saying the dialogue had a “constructive dynamic” and that all issues were approached openly with a clear focus on Ukraine’s national interests. He added that he expected a detailed explanation from his delegation upon their return.