A U.S. peace proposal designed to halt the nearly four-year war has triggered fresh political friction. After American and Ukrainian delegations concluded intense talks in Florida, Trump suggested that Zelensky was slowing the process.

“Zelensky Has Not Read the Proposal”

Speaking on the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honors, Trump said he was “a little disappointed” that Zelensky had not yet read the proposal.
“The public loves the plan. Russia is ready to accept it — I believe that. But I’m not sure Zelensky will,” Trump told reporters.

Zelensky, however, insisted that he had been “briefed at each stage” of the discussions, writing on social media that “Ukraine remains committed to working in good faith with the American side to secure real peace.”

Putin Responds Cautiously

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not endorse the U.S. proposal but said aspects of it were “not feasible.”
Separately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed the U.S. administration’s latest national security strategy, noting its emphasis on dialogue and improved relations — language he said aligned with Moscow’s expectations.

The White House strategy document stated that restoring strategic stability with Russia is a core American interest and essential to ending the war.

Speaking during a televised address on state broadcaster VTV, Maduro acknowledged the call and described its tone as “respectful, even candid.”
He emphasized that any step toward dialogue based on mutual respect would be welcomed by Caracas.

Maduro added, in English:
“Welcome to dialogue, welcome to diplomacy. Yes to peace, no to war.”

Trump Demanded Immediate Resignation

Trump confirmed to reporters that the phone call took place but refused to characterize its tone, saying he “could not say whether it went well or poorly.”

According to information cited by the Miami Herald from sources familiar with the conversation, the call between Trump and Maduro “broke down quickly.”

Sources claimed:

• Maduro demanded to retain control of the Venezuelan military in exchange for allowing free elections.
• He also sought “global amnesty” for himself and his inner circle regarding alleged crimes.

Trump reportedly rejected these conditions and told Maduro that a “safe exit” could be arranged for him, his wife Cilia Flores, and his son — but emphasized that this would need to happen immediately.

Diplomacy or Deadlock?

Maduro told supporters that Venezuela would “never abandon opportunities for dialogue and peace,” framing the call as a potential opening for future engagement.

Washington, however, has not signaled any change of direction, and the allegations concerning Maduro’s demands suggest that the two sides remain far apart.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Monday with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin in Moscow for an extended five-hour discussion on the ongoing Ukraine crisis. The delegation included Jared Kushner, and Kremlin foreign-policy adviser Yuri Ushakov characterized the meeting as constructive and productive, even as both nations declined to reveal the details of their dialogue.

Kremlin Calls Talks Constructive

According to Kremlin statements, the meeting was “highly constructive, useful and quite concise.” Adviser Yuri Ushakov noted that the conversation focused on the framework of the U.S. peace proposal rather than specific terms. While U.S. proposals were discussed, no formal decisions—especially regarding territorial concessions—were made. Kremlin official Kirill Dmitriev echoed the positive assessment, calling the session “productive.”

Silence on Content, Cautious Optimism

Both Russia and the U.S. agreed to keep the substance of the talks confidential, signaling sensitivity around the negotiations. Ushakov commented that although the crisis is not resolved, “we are neither very close nor very far,” indicating considerable work remains. The image of cooperation, however tentative, signals at least a diplomatic opening after months of stalemate.

Ukraine Peace on the Agenda, But No Breakthrough

The discussions reportedly included a range of options aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. However, according to official Kremlin remarks, no consensus was reached on one of the most contentious issues: territorial concessions. The lack of breakthroughs underscores the complexity of the dispute and suggests that Moscow remains cautious about any compromise that could be portrayed as a defeat.