Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky described a recent call with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as “productive”, yielding new ideas on meetings, formats, and timing to bring peace closer in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The discussion lasted nearly an hour, with Zelensky noting he plans to meet US President Donald Trump again in the near future.
The talks follow an updated 20-point peace plan, coordinated between Ukrainian and US officials in Florida, aimed at addressing ongoing security and territorial concerns in eastern Ukraine.
Key Updates in the 20-Point Peace Plan
The revised plan updates an earlier draft prepared by Witkoff, which had been criticized for leaning heavily toward Russia’s pre-invasion demands. Key elements include
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Possible withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from eastern regions, with a demilitarized zone established in their place.
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Security guarantees from the US, NATO, and European partners to respond militarily if Russia violates the agreement.
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Proposal for a free economic zone in the Donetsk region, with Ukraine maintaining policing authority over any areas vacated by its forces.
Despite pressure from the US to concede all of Donbas to Russia, Zelensky has firmly rejected territorial concessions, emphasizing the need for strong security guarantees.
Russia’s Response and Kremlin Analysis
The Kremlin has confirmed it is studying the updated peace proposals delivered by Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is reviewing the plan and will continue communications with the US depending on decisions by President Vladimir Putin.
Currently, Russia controls about 75% of Donetsk and nearly 99% of Luhansk, collectively known as the Donbas region. The ongoing conflict has seen Ukrainian troops withdraw from towns such as Siversk, while Russian forces have captured settlements including Sviato-Pokrovske, edging closer to the remaining Ukrainian-held cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Fighting Continues Amid Diplomatic Efforts
While diplomacy advances, fighting remains intense on the ground:
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The Ukrainian military struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in southern Rostov using cruise missiles, targeting a key supply source for Russian military operations.
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Russian forces continue to consolidate control in eastern regions, threatening remaining Ukrainian strongholds in Donetsk.
Zelensky emphasized that while discussions are progressing, there is still “work to be done on sensitive issues”, with Ukrainian officials continuing negotiations with US envoys to finalize a potential settlement.
