Diplomatic Push for Peace Amid Renewed Violence
Former US President Donald Trump has stated there is a "good chance" of securing a deal to end the war in Ukraine, following extensive negotiations between American and Ukrainian officials in Florida. This diplomatic effort comes against a backdrop of continued violence, with at least six people killed and dozens wounded in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the weekend.
Florida Talks Set Stage for Moscow Meeting
The discussions in Florida, described by both sides as "productive", involved US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Rubio acknowledged that while progress was made, "more work" is required. A source from the Kyiv delegation characterised the talks as "not easy", highlighting the complexities involved.
These talks pave the way for a significant follow-up meeting, with envoy Steve Witkoff expected to travel to Moscow to discuss Ukraine directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. Trump, speaking to reporters, referenced internal challenges in Ukraine, including a corruption investigation that led President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sack his chief of staff, but remained optimistic about a potential agreement.
Military and Political Fronts Intensify
As diplomacy continues, the situation on the ground remains dire. A deadly Russian strike on a residential building in the city of Vyshhorod, in the Kyiv region, on Sunday underscored the ongoing threat to civilians. Separately, a drone attack on the outskirts of Kyiv on Saturday night killed one person and wounded eleven.
In a bold maritime move, a Ukrainian security source claimed responsibility for attacks by naval drones on two oil tankers, the Kairos and Virat, off Turkey's Black Sea coast. Ukraine believes the vessels were covertly transporting sanctioned Russian oil. The Turkish government condemned these attacks, stating they occurred within its exclusive economic zone and posed serious risks to safety and the environment.
Politically, Kyiv faces internal turbulence following the resignation of President Zelenskyy's powerful chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, after his flat was searched by anti-corruption officials investigating an alleged kickback scheme.
Amid these challenges, President Zelenskyy held talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, thanking her for the EU's continued support in strengthening Ukraine's resilience against Russia's constant strikes on its infrastructure.
