Zelensky Indicates Advancement in US Peace Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described a recent phone conversation with Donald Trump’s peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the US president’s son-in-law, as “very constructive.”

During this dialogue, they explored mechanisms to ensure that Russia adheres to any prospective agreements aimed at concluding its military aggression against Ukraine. Zelensky expressed his firm resolve to maintain collaboration with the United States.

Officials from Ukraine also participated in the call from Miami, where they have been engrossed in a third day of discussions regarding US initiatives for a peaceful resolution with Russia.

Current State of Conflict

Despite ongoing talks, Moscow has yet to yield any concessions and continues its extensive bombardments across Ukraine. Zelensky noted on social media, “Ukraine is committed to working sincerely with the American counterparts to genuinely attain peace.”

He added that they addressed numerous elements and reviewed crucial points that might lead to an end to the hostilities and mitigate the risk of another large-scale Russian invasion.

In the latest developments, Russia intensified its air and missile assaults overnight, prompting backlash from Ukraine’s European allies. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a recent social media update, conveyed his solidarity with Zelensky, stating, “France is resolute in collaborating with all partners to implement de-escalation strategies and establish a ceasefire.”

Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements

Macron also confirmed his participation in upcoming discussions in London alongside Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The quartet is set to deliberate on the ongoing negotiations aimed at securing assurances for Ukraine’s safety in the post-conflict era.

Two weeks ago, these leaders convened virtually to contemplate the establishment of a European peacekeeping contingent that could be deployed to Ukraine should a ceasefire be attained.

Sir Keir has consistently emphasized the importance of Ukraine determining its own destiny and asserted that the coalition’s peacekeeping force would be crucial in safeguarding the nation’s security.

Russia’s Response

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the notion of such a force, labeling any foreign troops sent to Ukraine as “legitimate targets.” Ukrainian authorities reported that on Friday night, Russia launched a barrage of 653 drones and 51 missiles.

One strike impacted a railway facility in the town of Fastiv, located southwest of Kyiv, significantly damaging the main station and affecting railway assets. Ukraine’s energy ministry reported that Russian strikes targeted energy infrastructures across eight regions, resulting in widespread power outages.

While Moscow maintains that its strikes were aimed at military-industrial facilities and infrastructure, US and Ukrainian negotiators are urging Russia to demonstrate a “serious commitment to long-term peace” following unproductive discussions in Moscow.

Continued Negotiation Efforts

Meanwhile, the dialogue in Florida between Ukrainian and US representatives continues into its third day, aiming to persuade Ukraine to consider a US-supported peace initiative. Witkoff stated on Friday that his discussions with Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine’s national security council, have been “constructive.”

The pair reached an agreement on the framework for security arrangements and discussed necessary deterrent capabilities to support enduring peace, although specifics were not disclosed.

Ultimately, the possibility of concluding the conflict hinges on Russia’s willingness to undertake “steps towards de-escalation and the cessation of violence,” according to their joint statement.