The diplomatic push to end the war in Ukraine is intensifying this week, with European leaders and a special envoy from former US President Donald Trump engaging in high-stakes talks. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has described the coming days as potentially "pivotal" for negotiation efforts.
Zelenskyy's European Diplomacy and Macron Meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy embarked on a tour of European allies to shore up support. On Monday morning, he was welcomed to the Élysée Palace in Paris by French President Emmanuel Macron. Their discussions centred on "the conditions of a just and durable peace" for Ukraine, according to a statement from the French presidency.
Zelenskyy's diplomatic schedule remains packed, with an expected first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday. Meanwhile, his defence minister, Denys Shmyhal, held talks with EU counterparts in Brussels on Monday.
Trump Envoy's Moscow Mission Stirs Anxiety
Simultaneously, a separate diplomatic track involving Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is advancing. The Kremlin announced that Witkoff, a property developer, will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. This will be his sixth face-to-face meeting with the Russian leader.
Witkoff is expected to travel with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, though it was not confirmed if Kushner would attend the Putin meeting. Both envoys participated in weekend talks between senior US and Ukrainian officials at a private golf club in Florida developed by Witkoff's company.
This visit is likely to heighten anxiety in Kyiv and European capitals. Witkoff was recently exposed for coaching Russian officials on winning Trump's favour, and an earlier US peace plan, since scaled back, was seen as heavily favouring Moscow by proposing Ukraine cede territory and abandon NATO ambitions.
European Concerns and Domestic Pressure
EU diplomat Kaja Kallas stressed that it was "clear that Russia does not want peace" and voiced frustration that Europeans were not represented at the Florida talks. She expressed trust in Ukrainians to stand up for themselves but noted they would be stronger with European allies at the table.
Zelenskyy, writing on social media platform X, called the US talks "very constructive" but acknowledged tough issues remained. He faces domestic pressure following the resignation of his head of cabinet, Andriy Yermak, amid a widening anti-corruption investigation that marks the most serious scandal of his presidency.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism after the Florida meeting but cautioned that delicate work remained, with the Moscow talks being a crucial next part of the equation.
