Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a productive Christmas Day conversation with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, focused on strategies to end the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The discussions were shared in a post on X, which Kushner later reposted. Zelensky described the call as “very good,” indicating a collaborative spirit in addressing the challenges of the war.
During the call, Zelensky, Witkoff, and Kushner explored “new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and, of course, timing on how to bring a real peace closer,” according to a subsequent video address by Zelensky. Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, also participated in the discussion, with Zelensky noting that Umerov would continue to engage with the American team on the peace initiative.
The backdrop of these talks includes a 20-point peace plan proposed by the Trump administration, which has faced resistance from Ukrainian officials. Key aspects of the plan involve significant territorial concessions that Ukraine has so far rejected. Zelensky expressed appreciation for the “constructive approach” taken by Witkoff and Kushner, emphasizing the importance of addressing “substantive details” related to the peace negotiations.
Ukrainian officials believe that maintaining dialogue with U.S. representatives is crucial. Zelensky highlighted the need to maximize every opportunity to advance peace efforts, stating, “not to lose a single day or a single opportunity that can bring the result closer.”
On the Russian side, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, reported that Russian officials have observed “slow but steady progress” in their own peace discussions with the United States. This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations.
As both sides navigate the intricacies of potential agreements, the divergent views on territorial integrity remain a significant obstacle. The ongoing dialogue between Zelensky and U.S. envoys reflects a persistent commitment to finding a resolution to the conflict, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
