Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has held talks with US President Donald Trump's representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to arrange an official visit to Ukraine.
Writing on Telegram, Zelensky stated that the telephone conversation was detailed and constructive. He emphasized that continuous dialogue between the Ukrainian and American negotiating teams remains ongoing, adding that establishing a date for the visit to Kyiv would be highly useful for developing solutions for peace.
During the call, Zelensky briefed the envoys on the battlefield situation and recent air strikes. He told them that Russian territorial gains were minor and were being achieved only at the cost of huge losses. Zelensky noted that Witkoff and Kushner already possessed extensive details regarding the conflict.
The Ukrainian president stated that both teams would remain in contact to work through the agenda and establish a schedule for further communication. He also expressed gratitude to Trump, Witkoff, Kushner, and others in the United States who are working to make peace a shared achievement.
Diplomatic efforts and Kremlin positioning
Zelensky has led Ukraine as president since 2019, steering the nation through the ongoing war following Russia's full-scale invasion. Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized resolving international conflicts through negotiation. Kushner previously served as a senior White House advisor during Trump's first administration, while Witkoff is an American real estate executive serving as a diplomatic envoy.
The diplomatic outreach comes amid contrasting signals regarding Russian military plans. Citing sources close to the Kremlin, publication The Economist previously reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to escalate the war after several weeks of deliberation in order to preserve his power and life.
However, during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin stated that Russia was moving in the direction of ending the war against Ukraine. Modi has served as prime minister of India since 2014, maintaining trade ties with Moscow while calling for peace. The Kremlin is the executive seat of government in Moscow, while The Economist is an international news publication based in London.
