“Russia Changes Their Mind”: Trump’s Warning to Ukraine

President Donald Trump has warned Ukraine that Russia often changes its mind during negotiations, urging Kyiv to “move quickly” on a peace deal. Trump made the comments on Thursday ahead of a meeting in Miami between US and Russian officials.
The weekend talks will feature Trump’s envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and a Russian delegation. This follows recent discussions in Berlin with Ukrainian officials. The administration is seemingly trying to close a deal by engaging both sides in rapid succession.
Trump emphasized the transient nature of diplomatic opportunities. “I hope Ukraine moves quickly because Russia is there,” he told reporters. He added that history shows Russia often “changes their mind” when the opposing side takes too much time.
The main point of contention is territory. Ukraine refuses to cede land, particularly the Donbas, while Russia demands concessions. This disagreement has stalled progress, despite the administration’s push for a deal.
Russia currently occupies Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. The Kremlin is demanding a Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas. With US officials noting Russia’s lack of compromise, Trump’s warning underscores the high stakes for Ukraine.