NYT: Trump’s desire for deals with Russia intensifies his irritation with Ukraine

US President Donald Trump’s desire to strike deals with Russia is intensifying his irritation with Ukraine.

This is reported by the American newspaper The New York Times.

According to the publication, US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff will fly to St. Petersburg to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin “in his hometown.” During the visit, US envoys are expected to take the next step in their efforts to demonstrate the benefits of making deals with Putin — by securing the release of American Steven Hubbard, who has been imprisoned for a long time.

According to Finnish President Alexander Stubb and a number of media outlets, Witkoff intends to offer Putin a ceasefire plan, as well as a meeting with Zelensky and Trump.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia will listen to the proposals of Trump’s representatives but will not make political concessions.

Western media had previously reported that Trump may be seeking to pressure Ukraine into a peace deal with Russia as early as December.