U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Russia and Ukraine are very close to a deal on ending conflict between the two countries. President Trump’s remarks came following a meeting between his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Ukraine was not part of the talks. Speaking in Rome, the US President stated that most of the key points for a potential deal had already been agreed upon. He said, the war is killing five thousand people a week and must end soon.

He also accused Ukraine of delaying a rare earth minerals deal with the US. Meanwhile, the Kremlin described the three-hour meeting between Mr Witkoff and President Putin as constructive, saying it helped bring the U.S. and Russian positions closer.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that a full and unconditional ceasefire must come first before any talks on territorial issues. He also called for more pressure on Russia, saying it was the only way to achieve peace.

According to the media reports, the US plan also blocks Ukraine from joining NATO and includes US recognition of Russia’s annexation of parts of Ukraine. European and Ukrainian leaders oppose this and want to discuss the territory only after a ceasefire.