The diplomatic effort to conclude the war in Ukraine may be approaching a "critical week," the EU's top diplomat has remarked, as a delegate for former President Donald Trump prepares to meet Vladimir Putin following weekend discussions with Ukrainian leaders.
Representative Amid Controversial Links with Moscow Set for Talks
Steve Witkoff, the businessman now serving as negotiator, is scheduled to meet with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, according to. Witkoff was previously revealed for advising Russian diplomats on ways to gain Trump's support.
"This may be a critical week for negotiations," remarked the EU's top diplomat, but stressing it was "obvious that Russia is not seeking peace."
Ukrainian Leader's European Tour for Backing
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began a diplomatic push to rally support from Ukraine's European partners. He met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to talk over "the terms of a fair and lasting peace," the Élysée Palace reported.
The Ukrainian leader is furthermore scheduled to make his first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday. At the same time, his defense chief, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for talks with his EU colleagues.
Concern over American Talks
The EU official expressed concern that Europeans were not present in weekend negotiations held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she described as "tough but constructive." In response to a question about having faith in the US to find a positive outcome for Ukraine, she noted, "Ukraine's representatives are there by themselves. If they were together with the Europeans, they would undoubtedly be in a better position."
Writing on the platform X, Zelenskyy said the US talks had been "highly productive" but that there were "several difficult issues that must still be resolved."
Worry over US Proposals
European leaders were earlier alarmed by a US proposal that emerged last month, which was seen as skewed in Russia's favor. Its reported terms included ceding Moscow areas in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, requiring Kyiv to cap the size of its army, and abandoning its ambition to join NATO. While that initial plan has reportedly been modified, Witkoff's upcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth face-to-face meeting with Putin—is likely to increase anxiety in Kyiv and throughout European governments.
Witkoff is set to travel to Russia on Monday, accompanied by Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to proceed with peace talks. Kushner recently played an prominent role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Kushner would also attend the meeting with Putin.
Florida Talks and Domestic Strain
The two close Trump envoys were involved 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 meeting, 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 stated. "We have a lot of elements, and clearly there's another side involved here... that will have to be a part of the equation."
Amid the international pressure, President Zelenskyy is under domestic pressure following the unexpected resignation of his head of cabinet and top aide, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in response to a widening anti-corruption investigation that has become the most serious scandal of Zelenskyy's time in office.
