"Something will happen, but they are not ready yet. But something will happen. We will get it done," declared former U.S. President Donald Trump in an interview with CBS News, referring to the possibility of direct negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump also admitted that he had initially considered the conflict in Ukraine to be "easier" than it turned out to be, and described his position as both realistic and optimistic.

Trump's remarks come at a time when diplomatic efforts are intertwined with ongoing military attacks and heightened tensions on the battlefield. The White House administration confirms that the former president has reiterated his commitment to pursuing peace and plans to take further steps, including engaging with both sides. Previous negotiations have yielded only limited progress, and Washington is now intensifying its diplomatic initiatives.

An analysis of Trump's statement reveals a combination of confidence and caution: the words "we will get it done" suggest a political assurance of American involvement, while the repeated phrase "they are not ready yet" indicates that key players—both Moscow and Kyiv—are still hesitant. Putin has recently hinted at a willingness to negotiate, for example, by repeatedly offering for Zelenskyy to travel to Moscow, but the Ukrainian side has rejected these invitations without clear guarantees.

The reality on the battlefield complicates diplomatic maneuvers: reports of Russian strikes and extensive attacks on Ukrainian targets add urgency to the discussions and underscore why both sides are cautious about taking any steps towards a direct meeting. Trump stated that he is concerned about the ongoing violence, but that he will continue to exert pressure to reach an agreement—a combination of diplomatic channels, guarantees, and international pressure that he believes could "trigger something."

The question remains: what will be the trigger? If Trump's promises translate into concrete actions, such as mediated negotiations with international guarantees or pressure for concessions, it could significantly alter the positions of both sides. On the other hand, without tangible results, any meeting could be perceived as a political gesture with little real impact. Other actors, such as China or countries in Central and Eastern Europe, also play a significant role, as their positions could influence the willingness of both Moscow and Kyiv to risk dialogue.

Trump's optimism clashes with the harsh reality of the war. His words "they are not ready yet" sound like a warning that the path to peace will be more complex than he initially anticipated. Nevertheless, he delivers a clear message: the United States will continue its efforts to find a solution, and according to the former president, "something will happen." How quickly and with what results, only the coming weeks will tell.

CBS/gnews.cz - GH