Zelensky Welcomes Innovative Approaches for Peace Following US Envoy Discussions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism following a discussion with US representatives regarding potential resolutions to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

During a Thursday call with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, lasting almost an hour, Zelensky reported that they had exchanged “novel concepts concerning formats, meetings, and timing aimed at advancing genuine peace.”

He later mentioned that he plans to meet with President Donald Trump again “soon.” Earlier this week, Zelensky provided insights into a revised 20-point peace framework, which was agreed upon by American and Ukrainian negotiators in Florida.

The Kremlin indicated it is currently reviewing the proposals returned from the US by a Russian envoy. Trump and his associates have been actively engaging in discussions with both Ukraine and Russia, striving to facilitate an agreement to conclude the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Recent days have shown signs of progress, as Ukraine’s president commended the “constructive ideas” proposed by Witkoff and Kushner. Zelensky categorized the day as “active” for his nation’s diplomatic efforts while detailing the conversation with the American envoys.

He acknowledged that challenges remain regarding sensitive topics but noted that “together with the American team, we have a clear plan to implement these ideas.” Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, will continue engaging with the American delegation.

The updated 20-point peace proposal, negotiated between the US and Ukraine, is seen as a revision of an initial draft that Witkoff presented weeks earlier. This earlier draft was perceived as favoring Russia’s extensive demands, which Kyiv and its European allies contended would equate to Ukraine’s surrender.

In describing the new proposal on Wednesday, Zelensky indicated it includes the possibility of a Russian troop withdrawal from eastern Ukraine along with the establishment of a demilitarized zone in those areas. Additionally, he mentioned that security assurances from the US, NATO, and European nations would be part of the plan to ensure a coordinated military response in the event of further Russian aggression.

Regarding the critical industrial region of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky suggested that a “free economic zone” could be a viable alternative. He emphasized that any territory vacated by Ukrainian forces must remain under Ukrainian oversight.

Currently, Moscow controls approximately 75% of the Donetsk region and around 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region, collectively referred to as Donbas. Zelensky faces considerable pressure from Trump to concede all of Donbas to Russia amid ongoing peace talks led by Washington.

Thus far, the Ukrainian leader has dismissed any territorial compromises, asserting the necessity for robust security guarantees for Ukraine in any potential resolution. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly insisted that Ukrainian forces must vacate Donbas, or Russia will take control.

On Thursday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is scrutinizing the proposals returned from the US by envoy Kirill Dmitriev. “We are reviewing this information, and based on decisions made by the head of state, we will continue our dialogue with the Americans,” he said.

While diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict progress, hostilities persist on the ground. The Ukrainian military reported on Thursday that it targeted a significant Russian oil refinery in the Rostov region with cruise missiles.

The Novoshakhtinsk refinery, situated near the Ukrainian border, plays a crucial role in supplying fuel for Russian military operations in the occupied eastern regions of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Russian defense ministry announced that its forces have taken control of the settlement of Sviato-Pokrovske in the Donetsk area.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian troops retreated from the conflict-ridden eastern town of Siversk. The capture of this town brings Russian forces closer to the remaining cities, Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, still under Ukrainian control in the Donetsk region.