Zelensky praises 'lengthy and meaningful' call with Kushner, Witkoff as peace negotiations progress

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his appreciation on Saturday for an extensive and meaningful discussion with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Trump, aimed at advancing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

I am thankful for a focused and constructive dialogue, Zelensky wrote on X. We addressed numerous issues and reviewed critical points that could help end the violence, prevent another large-scale Russian invasion, and reduce the risk of Russia failing to fulfill its commitments, as has occurred repeatedly in the past.

Zelensky emphasized that his administration will continue to engage with the U.S. side in good faith to achieve genuine peace, and expressed gratitude to Trump for his intensive involvement in the negotiation process.

Not all matters can be resolved over a call, so close collaboration between our teams on ideas and proposals is necessary, Zelensky added. Our principle is that every solution must be practical every key action for peace, security, and reconstruction must be implementable. Thank you!

The discussion followed a meeting on Friday in Florida, where Witkoff and Kushner held talks with Ukraines Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and negotiator Andriy Hnatov. Their joint statement highlighted that further progress depended on Russias willingness to demonstrate genuine commitment to long-term peace, including de-escalation and halting the killings.

Earlier this week, Zelensky noted that Ukrainian officials sought clarity on what additional excuses [Russian President Vladimir] Putin might use to prolong the conflict and pressure Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russian officials dismissed parts of the U.S.-proposed peace plan following what Putin aide Yury Ushakov described as constructive and substantive talks on Wednesday. We agree with certain points, but other elements drew criticism, Ushakov said, noting that the President openly expressed Russias critical stance on some proposals.

Despite disagreements over territorial matters, Ushakov indicated that Russia intends to maintain dialogue with the U.S. Putin described Tuesdays five-hour negotiations as necessary and useful, noting that nearly every aspect of the plan was reviewed. Initially consisting of 28 points, the peace proposal was revised to 27 points and divided into four sections, though Putin did not specify which elements Russia would accept or reject.

Amid the ongoing talks, Russian attacks persisted on Ukrainian territory, with Ukraine facing two ballistic missile strikes and 138 drone incursions between Wednesday and Thursday.

Author: Riley Thompson