US President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to act swiftly to secure a peace deal with Russia, warning that Moscow could change its stance if negotiations drag on. "They are getting close to a deal, but I hope Ukraine acts quickly because Russia is involved," Trump told reporters at the White House on 18/12. "You know, every time Ukraine takes too long, Russia changes its mind."

US media reported that Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was expected to meet Russian officials in Miami on 19/12. Trump commented that the negotiations were "a bit harder than we thought, but there is still a chance for us to get this done, maybe soon."

Russia and Ukraine have not commented on Trump's remarks.

US President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House on 17/12. *AP*

On the same day, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a Ukrainian delegation would hold discussions with the US on 19-20/12. Zelensky requested more details from the US regarding security guarantees to protect Ukraine from potential Russian attacks after any agreement.

Zelensky questioned, "What would the US do if Russia attacked Ukraine again? What good would these security guarantees be? How would they work?"

Zelensky also stated that Ukraine needs a decision on financial matters before the end of this year, a move that could provide the country with more leverage in negotiations to end the conflict with Russia.

"Russia's assets must be used to deter further attacks and to rebuild what they have destroyed. This is morally right, fair, and legal", Zelensky said. He also warned that one consequence Ukraine could face without financial support is the inability to produce drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.

President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium on 18/12. *AFP*

The European Union (EU) estimates Ukraine will need an additional 159 billion USD to sustain operations over the next two years. EU leaders are discussing whether to use frozen Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine.

Belgium-based financial firm Euroclear holds most of these assets. However, Belgium has so far opposed this move, fearing legal and financial retaliation from Russia.

One concession the EU offered Belgium was a proposal for other member states to provide unlimited commitments to share legal responsibility if sued by Russia. European diplomatic officials stated that this is difficult for many parties to accept, and a final agreement is not yet certain.

By Nguyen Tien (AFP, CNN, Reuters)