Excellent Things Are Happening: Trump Voices Optimism on Ukraine Peace Talks

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday struck an optimistic tone on efforts to bring an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict are progressing well. His remarks come amid renewed diplomatic engagement facilitated by the United States, despite limited tangible outcomes so far.

Speaking briefly to reporters as he departed the White House for an official visit to Iowa, Trump avoided providing specific details but suggested that behind-the-scenes diplomacy was yielding positive momentum.

When asked directly about the ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine, the US president responded succinctly, saying, “Very good things are happening.” The comment underscored his administration’s confidence in the current negotiation framework.

Trump’s remarks follow a round of discussions held in Abu Dhabi, where negotiators from Moscow and Kyiv met over the weekend with mediation support from US officials. While the talks ended without a breakthrough agreement, both sides indicated that diplomatic channels remain open and constructive.

According to officials familiar with the process, the delegations are expected to reconvene in the United Arab Emirates on February 1 for the next round of negotiations. These discussions mark the first known instance of Trump administration representatives engaging simultaneously with both Russia and Ukraine as part of Washington’s push to halt the nearly four-year-old conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a message posted on Telegram that all participating parties had agreed to brief their respective leaderships on the discussions and coordinate future steps at the highest political level.

“All parties agreed to report to their capitals on every aspect of the negotiations and to align further actions with their leaders,” Zelenskyy wrote, signaling cautious progress despite unresolved issues.

According to an official with knowledge of the talks, negotiators discussed a broad range of military, political, and economic matters. These included the possibility of a limited truce as a confidence-building step ahead of a more comprehensive peace agreement.

One of the most complex issues on the table remains the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which has been under Russian occupation. While negotiators reportedly discussed frameworks for managing and operating the plant, no final agreement has been reached.

The official said there was tentative understanding that electricity generated by the plant would be distributed “on an equitable basis,” though the question of ownership and long-term control remains unresolved.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of continued US involvement, stating that there was a shared understanding of the need for American monitoring and oversight to ensure both the end of the war and lasting security guarantees.

The negotiations included senior Ukrainian officials such as Defence Minister and lead negotiator Rustem Umerov and presidential chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov. They were joined by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelenskyy said Russia was represented by military intelligence and armed forces officials.

While a comprehensive Peace Deal remains elusive, Trump’s upbeat assessment suggests the White House believes diplomatic groundwork is being laid—raising cautious hopes that sustained dialogue could eventually bring an end to one of Europe’s most devastating conflicts in decades.