Why Kyiv is skeptical of Trump’s renewed peace negotiations with Russia and Ukraine

Ukrainian skepticism towards President Trump's renewed peace negotiations with Russia and Ukraine has been evident since the Oslo meeting in September 2026. The primary issue is Russia's continued insistence on recognizing its control over the occupied territories, which Ukraine refuses to relinquish. Despite Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire along the current front lines with security guarantees, Russia refuses to freeze the conflict at that line.

Zelensky expressed willingness to negotiate a ceasefire but stressed the need for further negotiations and security guarantees. The proposal to resume trade in Russian gas as part of the peace talks was met with mixed reactions in Kyiv. Additionally, the Ukrainian military reported issues with Starshield connections, which had been provided by the U.S. at the start of the war, suggesting a possible interference in the early warning system.

This, combined with strained relations between Zelensky and Trump, has led to concerns among Ukrainian officials about Trump's intentions and the potential for a soft capitulation in exchange for security guarantees.