Kremlin confirms Ukraine peace talks are in final stage as Trump-Putin to speak 'very soon'

The Kremlin on Monday said that US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to speak by phone “very soon,” as diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war continue.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow shares Trump’s assessment that talks aimed at ending the conflict are in their final stage, stating, “Of course.”

The remarks came a day after Trump said a deal to end Russia’s invasion was closer than ever, although no breakthrough had been reached on territorial disputes following recent discussions with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Putin.

On Sunday, Trump, who had promised a peace deal early in his presidency, said it would become clear within weeks whether a resolution is possible. Tens of thousands have died since the conflict began. As part of a pre-New Year diplomatic push, Trump hosted Zelenskyy at his Florida estate, where Zelenskyy said a peace plan was 95 percent complete, despite Russia launching fresh attacks on Kyiv the day before.

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Putin also spoke with Trump by phone shortly before Zelenskyy’s visit. Trump said Moscow appeared “serious” about peace. “I really believe we’re, Mr. President, probably closer than — far closer than — ever before with both parties,” he said, with Zelenskyy standing beside him. “Everybody wants it ended.”

On Monday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine plans to host a meeting with European and American officials in the coming days to finalise documents aimed at ending the war. He added that the adviser-level engagements would take place and that martial law in Ukraine would be lifted only after the war concludes and the country secures security guarantees from its Western allies.