(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in advancing negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, telling reporters he sees a "good chance we can make a deal."

Following a Sunday gathering in Florida that top American and Ukrainian officials characterized as "productive," Trump confirmed contact with chief negotiators Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, saying they were "doing well."

"I think Russia would like to see it end and...I know Ukraine would like to see it end," Trump told the press aboard Air Force One while flying back to Washington, DC from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he spent Thanksgiving.

Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian representatives "sometime" this week to advance discussions, though Trump clarified he hasn't imposed a specific timeline on Moscow, stating his sole deadline is "when the war is over."

The Florida discussions, which came after a Geneva session, centered on securing a "stronger and more prosperous" future for Ukraine. However, Rubio acknowledged the diplomatic process remains "delicate" and necessitates Russia's participation as "part of the equation."

Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, who headed the Ukrainian delegation, said negotiators achieved "tangible progress on the path toward a just peace" after the "difficult but productive round of negotiations."

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