President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, stating that both nations are “making progress” toward a resolution. However, he acknowledged that achieving peace remains a “difficult” challenge.

During a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday evening, Trump offered updates on the Ukraine-Russia dialogue. He mentioned that U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to participate in discussions in Moscow, potentially accompanied by Jared Kushner, Trump’s senior advisor and son-in-law.

“We’re having fruitful discussions,” Trump remarked. “Ukraine is doing well, and I believe they are quite satisfied with the progress. I hope for a resolution soon, though it might take some time. Nonetheless, we are making strides.”

Reflecting on his diplomatic efforts, Trump said, “We’ve resolved eight conflicts, and I initially thought this would be simpler due to my rapport with President Putin. However, it’s proving to be one of the more complex issues due to deep-seated animosities.”

The comments were made as President Trump addressed the press during his flight from Japan to South Korea on October 29. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Trump said that Europe is playing a large part in ensuring there are security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent any further aggression from Russia.

The Trump administration had come under scrutiny last week after presenting a 28-point peace plan to U.S. lawmakers. Some lawmakers, including Republicans, initially described it as a “wish list” for Russia.

President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll sit before closed-door talks with Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak (not pictured) on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, at the U.S. Mission in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 23, 2025. (REUTERS/Emma Farge)

Trump downplayed that plan while speaking Tuesday night, telling reporters that it was “just a map.”

“All that was was a map. That was not a plan. It was, a concept. And from there they’re taking each one of the 28 points, and then you get down to 22 points. A lot of them were solved and actually very favorably solved. So, so we’ll see how we’ll see what happens,” he said.

Russia and Ukraine are headed toward a peace agreement, President Trump says. (Maxim Shemetov/Pool/Reuters; Ludovic Marin/Pool via Reuters)

While the talks are moving quickly, Trump said he does not have a deadline for securing a deal.

“The deadline for me is when it’s over,” he said. “I think everybody’s tired of fighting at this moment. They are losing, losing too many people.”