Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a productive conversation on Christmas Day with U.S. envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, focusing on strategies to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The discussion was shared via a post on social media platform X, which was later reposted by Kushner.
In a video address, Zelensky described the call as “very good,” highlighting the exchange of “new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and, of course, timing on how to bring a real peace closer.” Also participating in the call was Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, who will continue dialogues with the American representatives regarding former President Donald Trump’s proposed 20-point peace plan.
Zelensky noted that while Ukraine appreciates the proposed framework, there are concerns regarding concessions that could lead to significant territorial losses. He expressed gratitude to Witkoff and Kushner for their “constructive approach” and mentioned that they discussed “certain substantive details” related to the peace negotiations.
Ukrainian officials regard Umerov’s ongoing discussions with the U.S. envoys as a vital strategy, emphasizing the importance of not wasting any opportunities that might expedite a peaceful resolution. Zelensky stated, “We must not lose a single day or a single opportunity that can bring the result closer.”
On the other hand, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, informed reporters that Russian officials have observed “slow but steady progress” in their discussions with the U.S. This development highlights the contrasting perspectives between the two nations regarding the peace process.
As the conflict continues, both Ukraine and the U.S. remain divided over key issues, particularly concerning territorial integrity after extensive negotiations. The efforts of Zelensky and his team to engage with American diplomats underscore the urgency of finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict, which has had far-reaching implications for both nations and the wider international community.
