Former US President Donald Trump has stated that negotiations aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine are progressing positively, describing them as "going along well". This comes after his representatives engaged in lengthy discussions with Ukrainian officials, which President Volodymyr Zelensky labelled "constructive".
Florida Talks and Moscow Mission
Representatives for Donald Trump held four hours of peace talks with Ukrainian officials in Florida on Monday 1 December 2025. The meeting, which yielded what President Zelensky called "some preliminary results", forms a key part of the diplomatic push. In a parallel move, Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to travel to Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The discussions in Florida reportedly centred on a US-proposed 28-point peace plan. However, this blueprint has been met with scepticism from both Ukraine and its European allies. Reports suggest the proposal was heavily influenced by a draft originally authored by Russia, raising concerns about its impartiality and ultimate goals.
Military and Diplomatic Fronts Intensify
As diplomacy continues, military actions have escalated in the Black Sea. Ukrainian naval drones struck two tankers, the Kairos and the Virat, which are linked to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet". The attacks are part of Kyiv's intensified strategy to cripple Russian oil revenues and have caused significant damage to the vessels.
On the diplomatic front, President Zelensky is preparing for his first official visit to Ireland. During the trip, he is set to meet Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and launch a bilateral economic forum designed to strengthen ties between the two nations.
A Complex Path to Peace
While Donald Trump has expressed public optimism about the peace process, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. The scepticism surrounding the proposed US peace plan highlights the delicate balance required in any negotiation. Meanwhile, Ukraine's continued military strikes demonstrate its commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia, even as talks proceed. The international community watches closely as these parallel tracks of diplomacy and conflict unfold.
