Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that talks with U.S. representatives over a peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict have been constructive, even as key challenges remain. He is meeting British, French and German leaders in London today, followed by further discussions in Brussels this week.
The three-day Miami negotiations, which wrapped up on Saturday, focused on contested territories and U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. Delegates made significant progress on security pledges, though Kyiv firmly rejected Russia's demand for troop withdrawals from parts of the Donbas.
Last Thursday, President Putin met U.S. envoys in the Kremlin and flagged unresolved issues in the proposed plan. On Friday, the White House released a new national security strategy calling for an expeditious cessation of hostilities in Ukraine to stabilise European economies, prevent escalation and support post-war reconstruction.
After the Miami talks, Zelenskyy held a "long and substantive" call with former President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. "Ukraine remains committed to working with the United States in good faith to genuinely achieve peace," he posted on X.
Yet on Sunday, Trump told reporters that Zelenskyy "isn't ready" to sign off on the U.S.-authored proposal. "I'm a little disappointed that President Zelenskyy hasn't yet read the proposal," Trump said before attending the Kennedy Center Honors.
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed the new U.S. strategy, saying its emphasis on dialogue and relationship-building is "largely consistent with our vision." "This leaves room for hope that joint efforts might result in a peaceful resolution," Peskov said.
What's next? Zelenskyy's meetings in London and Brussels this week could set the tone for next steps. If diplomats bridge the gap on territory and security, a roadmap for lasting peace might emerge–though experts warn the toughest discussions lie ahead.
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Zelenskyy says talks on peace plan 'constructive' but 'not easy'
cgtn.com
