The diplomatic push to conclude the war in Ukraine could be entering a "decisive week," the EU's lead foreign affairs official has stated, as a representative for ex-leader Donald Trump gears up to confer with Vladimir Putin following weekend talks with Ukrainian representatives.
Representative with Controversial Links to Moscow Scheduled for Talks
Steve Witkoff, the real estate magnate now serving as negotiator, is set to confer with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, the Kremlin stated. Witkoff was recently exposed for advising Russian officials on how to win Trump's favor.
"We are entering a decisive week for negotiations," stated the EU's top diplomat, but stressing it was "obvious that Russia is not interested in peace."
Zelenskyy's European Tour for Support
Meanwhile, Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy began a mission to mobilize support from Ukraine's European partners. He held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to discuss "the conditions of a fair and lasting peace," as stated by.
The Ukrainian leader is also scheduled to make his first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday. Simultaneously, his defense chief, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for talks with his EU colleagues.
Frustration over American Talks
The EU official shared frustration that Europeans were not included in weekend talks held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she characterized as "difficult but productive." In response to a question about having faith in the US to find a good outcome for Ukraine, she said, "Ukrainians are there alone. If they were together with the Europeans, they would undoubtedly be much stronger."
Writing on the platform X, Zelenskyy noted the US talks had been "highly productive" but that there were "a number of challenging issues that remain to be worked through."
Anxiety over American Proposals
European leaders were previously worried by a US plan that circulated last month, which was weighted in Russia's interest. Its alleged terms included granting Moscow regions in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, forcing Kyiv to cap the size of its army, and abandoning its bid to join NATO. While that initial plan has reportedly been modified, Witkoff's forthcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth meeting with Putin—is expected to heighten concern in Kyiv and throughout European governments.
Witkoff is due to fly to Russia on Monday, accompanied by Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to continue peace talks. Kushner recently played an prominent role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Kushner would also be present at the meeting with Putin.
Florida Discussions and Political Pressure
The two close Trump envoys took part in the Florida talks between senior Ukrainian and US delegates, which were held at a exclusive golf club built by Witkoff's company.
After the session, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced optimism for an end to the war. "There's more work to be done. This is complex," Rubio said. "There are a lot of elements, and clearly there's another party involved here... that will have to be a part of the equation."
Adding to the diplomatic challenges, President Zelenskyy is under domestic strain following the sudden resignation of his head of cabinet and closest adviser, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in response to a expanding anti-corruption investigation that has become the most serious crisis of Zelenskyy's presidency.
