Washington

As a senior Ukrainian delegation met US officials in Florida, President Donald Trump said there was a “good chance” of reaching a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said the talks were “going along well,” adding, “We want to stop people from being killed… Last month, we had 27,000 people killed in the ridiculous war that never should have happened.” He also pointed to corruption issues in Ukraine but stressed the possibility of a negotiated settlement.

Asked about his warning on Venezuelan airspace, Trump dismissed speculation about imminent strikes. He confirmed speaking with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro but refused to characterise the call.

Trump also defended Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth after reports claimed he ordered that “no survivors” be left after a strike in the Caribbean. “He said he did not say that, and I believe him,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s delegation—led by National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov—met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss Washington’s peace plan. Umerov headed the delegation hours after a top aide to President Zelenskyy resigned following an anti-corruption raid.

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Zelenskyy said the US was showing a “constructive approach” and expressed hope for outlining steps toward a “dignified end” to the war. The talks are based on the Geneva points, with the Ukrainian team holding directives to pursue Kyiv’s priorities.