Vitaliy Portnikov reviews the key events of 2025 with a close look at the New York Times investigation into Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite Trump’s renewed contact with Vladimir Putin and official claims of progress, the negotiation process has stalled and true peace remains far off.
The NYT report details the unsuccessful diplomatic maneuvers by Trump’s, Putin’s, and Zelensky’s teams. It begins with Trump’s election victory, his attempt to establish informal contacts with Putin before inauguration, and Joe Biden’s refusal to permit such contacts, fearing that any deal could be at Ukraine’s expense.
The failures are attributed to Trump’s entourage—either incompetent or sycophantic—and to Trump’s misreading of Putin’s aims. Trump believed territorial concessions would satisfy Russia, but analysts agree the Kremlin seeks the elimination of Ukrainian statehood rather than compromise.
The investigation describes negotiation episodes influenced by personal stories, including a conversation with a Ukrainian woman from Odesa, and the role of select advisers who tried to bring objective information to Trump. Critics note most of Trump’s team reinforced his worldview rather than challenged it, causing competent voices to be sidelined.
Portnikov concludes that Trump’s failures in international diplomacy have affected both US politics and the duration of the war. In 2026, much will depend on Europe’s and Ukraine’s resilience and the positions taken by the United States.
The article emphasizes that the current White House administration still lacks a deep understanding of the situation and that hopes for a quick end to the conflict are unrealistic. Ukraine’s resistance and international support remain key to stability.
As 2025 ends, Portnikov wishes readers strength, belief in victory, and emphasizes the importance of supporting Ukraine’s army and maintaining national unity in this challenging historical period.
