The political endeavor to conclude the conflict in Ukraine could be entering a "pivotal week," the European Union's lead foreign affairs official has stated, as a representative for former President Donald Trump gears up to confer with Vladimir Putin after weekend talks with Ukrainian leaders.
Envoy with Controversial Ties to Russia Set for Meeting
Steve Witkoff, the businessman turned negotiator, is set to confer with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, as announced by. Witkoff was recently exposed for advising Russian representatives on ways to gain Trump's backing.
"This may be a decisive week for peace efforts," said the EU's lead official, while stressing it was "obvious that Russia is not interested in peace."
Ukrainian Leader's European Push for Backing
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began a tour to secure support from Ukraine's European allies. He held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to discuss "the foundations of a equitable and sustainable peace," as stated by.
The Ukrainian leader is additionally scheduled to make his inaugural state visit to Ireland on Tuesday. At the same time, his defence minister, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for meetings with his EU counterparts.
Concern over American Negotiations
The EU official shared concern that Europeans were not included in recent negotiations held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she described as "tough but constructive." In response to a question about having faith in the US to secure a favorable solution for Ukraine, she noted, "Ukrainians are there by themselves. If they would be together with the Europeans, they would undoubtedly be in a better position."
Writing on the platform X, Zelenskyy stated the US talks had been "very constructive" but that there were "a number of challenging issues that remain to be addressed."
Worry over American Proposals
European leaders were previously worried by a US plan that emerged last month, which was seen as skewed in Russia's favor. Its alleged terms included granting Moscow territories in eastern Ukraine it did not yet control, requiring Kyiv to limit the size of its army, and renouncing its goal to join NATO. While that initial plan has reportedly been toned down, Witkoff's forthcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth face-to-face meeting with Putin—is likely to heighten unease in Kyiv and throughout European capitals.
Witkoff is expected to travel to Russia on Monday, alongside Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to continue discussions. Kushner previously played an active role in talks over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin did not specify whether Kushner would too attend the talks with Putin.
Florida Talks and Domestic Pressure
The two close Trump representatives took part in the weekend discussions between senior Ukrainian and US delegates, which were held at a exclusive golf club developed by Witkoff's company.
After the meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope for an end to the war. "There's more work to be done. This is complex," Rubio said. "We have a lot of elements, and clearly there's another side involved here... that will have to be a part of the equation."
Adding to the international pressure, President Zelenskyy is facing domestic pressure following the unexpected resignation of his head of cabinet and closest adviser, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in response to a widening corruption investigation that has become the biggest scandal of Zelenskyy's time in office.
