Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a “very good” dialog with US particular envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner on Christmas Day as negotiations over the phrases of a possible peace deal continued.
“I thank them for the constructive approach, the intensive work, and the kind words and Christmas greetings to the Ukrainian people,” Zelensky stated in a press release.
The two sides mentioned “certain substantive details” concerning the ongoing peace negotiations and the dialog produced “some new ideas on how to bring about real peace,” Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian chief was joined on the decision by different diplomats, together with Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov.
Umerov can have further discussions with Kushner and Witkoff later on Thursday, Zelensky stated.
“We believe this is the right approach – not to lose a single day or a single opportunity that can bring the result closer. May today’s conversation become another step toward peace,” he stated.
At a press convention in Moscow earlier on Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova famous that there’s “slow but steady” progress being made within the negotiation course of between Russia and the US.
She went on to accuse the European Union of remaining dedicated to “escalating the conflict and prolonging hostilities.”
In his Christmas Day speech, Pope Leo additionally appealed for peace in Ukraine.
“May the clamour of weapons cease and may the parties involved with the support and commitment of the international community find the courage to engage in sincere, direct, and respectful dialogue,” the non secular chief stated.
The Trump administration’s peace effort has made gradual progress in current weeks.
Over the weekend, a Ukrainian delegation led by Umerov and Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev met individually with their American counterparts in talks that Witkoff described as “constructive and productive.”
On Tuesday, Zelensky offered new particulars a couple of 20-point plan that he described as “a foundational document on ending the war, a political document between us, America, Europe, and the Russians.”
The Ukrainian president additionally mentioned specifics of safety ensures between Ukraine, the United States, and European international locations that will type an important a part of any peace deal with Russia.
The plan would contain Ukraine pulling again its troops from areas of the Donetsk area, Zelensky stated.
Russia would subsequently have to withdraw its forces in a way equal to the bottom ceded by Ukrainian troops, successfully establishing a demilitarized zone round among the current entrance strains.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia is “currently analyzing the materials” of the proposal.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated Ukraine should successfully cede all of Donetsk for a peace plan to work.
“We would prefer to do this, and eliminate the root causes of the conflict, through diplomacy,” Putin said on the annual assembly of the Russian Defense Ministry.
“If the opposing country and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive discussions, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands through military means,” he added.
Trump has asserted that an finish to the warfare in Ukraine is nearer than ever, however an official deal that’s agreeable to either side has but to materialize.
The diplomatic exchanges unfolded as Russia continues to unleash deadly strikes on Ukrainian targets.
The most up-to-date campaign has targeted on Odesa, Ukraine’s key port metropolis positioned subsequent to the Black Sea.
Moscow’s assaults have prompted energy outages within the metropolis and surrounding areas, in addition to injury to port infrastructure and civilian vessels.
Russia launched certainly one of its largest aerial assaults this month on Ukraine on Tuesday, killing no less than three individuals and injuring no less than 17 others.
Kyiv’s troops retreated from the city of Siversk in japanese Ukraine, based on the nation’s armed forces, as Russian forces pushed by “active offensive operations.”
In flip, Ukrainian safety companies have stepped up drone and sabotage operations towards Russian fight plane and submarines this month, finishing up long-range drones in assaults on Russian airfields in occupied Crimea and southern Russia.
Ahead of Christmas, Zelensky stated Kyiv’s army is on alert for potential assaults, and he known as on Ukraine’s intelligence companies to “significantly step up their work.”
“We understand that precisely on these days they may — this is in their nature — carry out massive strikes on Christmas,” Zelensky posted on X. He added that officers held a gathering about defending Ukrainian localities particularly from December 23 by 25.
Meanwhile, a Russian basic was killed in a automotive bombing in Moscow this week, with officers pointing the finger at Ukraine for the most recent obvious assassination of a senior army officer.