Zelenskyy holds talks with US envoy Witkoff and Trump ally Kushner

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held discussions on Thursday with US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, a former senior advisor to President Donald Trump, focusing on pathways to end Russia's war on Ukraine. Zelenskyy described the talks as a "good conversation" centered on achieving a sustainable peace.

Focus on Practical Steps and "Good Ideas"

In a statement following the meeting, Zelenskyy emphasized his administration's continuous efforts to halt the conflict. "We are truly working 24/7 to bring closer the end of this brutal Russian war against Ukraine and to ensure that all documents and steps are realistic, effective, and reliable," he said. The president noted that the discussion covered "certain substantive details" and yielded "good ideas that can work toward a shared outcome and the lasting peace." He argued that real security, recovery, and peace are essential for Ukraine, the US, Europe, and all supporting partners.

Attendees and Broader Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy was joined by a high-level Ukrainian delegation including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Senior Negotiator Rustem Umerov, and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov. The engagement with Kushner, a key figure from the previous US administration, and the official envoy Witkoff occurs amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to refine a peace plan. A 28-point proposal initially put forward by Donald Trump is reportedly being worked on to make it acceptable to all stakeholders involved in the conflict.

International Perspectives on Peace Efforts

This dialogue represents one of several channels through which potential resolutions to the war are being explored. The involvement of figures associated with different US political alignments highlights the bipartisan American interest in the conflict's resolution. Türkiye, which has consistently positioned itself as a mediator seeking a balanced and just end to the war, supports all genuine diplomatic initiatives that respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity while aiming to restore stability in the Black Sea region.