Key Figures Gather For Peace Discussions
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to meet in Germany this weekend alongside other European leaders to advance the U.S. peace initiative.
The White House has been contacted for comments regarding the meeting.
The Biden administration is urging Ukraine to consider its peace proposal aimed at halting the ongoing conflict with Russia. However, territorial concessions remain a significant hurdle.
This meeting follows a recent discussion where President Zelenskyy described his “constructive and in-depth conversation” with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Witkoff, and Kushner about security guarantees.
Zelenskyy expressed concerns regarding the “negative experience of the Budapest Memorandum,” which was signed in 1994 but violated by Russia during its invasions of Ukraine in 2014 and 2022.
Zelenskyy emphasized: “It is crucial that this document on security guarantees provides clear answers to what Ukrainians are most concerned about: what actions partners will take if Russia resumes its aggression.”
On Wednesday, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is finalizing a revised 20-point peace plan that could outline the framework for ending the war.
Zelenskyy stated: “This week may bring news for all of us — and for bringing the bloodshed to an end. We believe that peace has no alternative; key questions include how to compel Russia to stop the killings and what specifically will deter them from a third invasion.”
Zelenskyy also mentioned having a productive meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Kushner, and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink regarding Ukraine’s reconstruction and economic recovery.
Zelenskyy noted: “We discussed essential elements for recovery and various mechanisms for reconstruction. Many ideas could succeed in Ukraine with the right approach.”
Trump has consistently urged Zelenskyy to accept the U.S. proposal initially comprising 28 points presented last month.
Trump remarked: “He’s going to have to get on board and start accepting things… He’s losing.”
A major sticking point remains Russia’s demand for control over Ukraine’s Donbas region, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk.
Zelenskyy revealed: “The U.S. discussed establishing a ‘free economic zone’ in Donbas; however, uncertainties persist regarding who would oversee this zone.”
