Zelenskyy awaits outcome of Putin–Witkoff peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that he is awaiting the results of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as efforts continue to find a path toward ending the war in Ukraine.

Speaking in Dublin alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Zelenskyy said he hoped the talks would lead to “real, specific dialogue, not just words.”

"So it's about negotiations. If you're ready, we will work. They've got these signals from us. But this is where we are. I mean, this for me, it's nothing new, the words of Putin, not new. But we have to hope,” he added.

"And this visit (to Ireland) comes at one of the most difficult and at the same time optimistic moments. Now, more than ever, there is a chance to end this war."

He acknowledged that some elements of the U.S. proposals had already appeared in the media but described key issues, such as territorial control and frozen assets, as “the most sensitive and difficult questions.”

“I’m not sure that I am ready to share all the points of this plan,” Zelenskyy said. “But what can I say? The most sensitive things are about territories and frozen assets, because I can’t speak on behalf of European leaders. It’s about money that is frozen in Europe.”

His comments come amid rising concern in Kyiv and across Europe over leaked drafts of a 28-point U.S. peace proposal, which Ukrainian and European officials fear could concede too much to Moscow, including allowing Russia to retain control over parts of occupied Ukrainian territory and limiting Ukraine’s military capacity.

During Zelenskyy’s first official visit to Ireland, and the first by any Ukrainian president since diplomatic relations were established in 1991, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a major new assistance package.

“I am pleased to announce that we will provide a further €100 million in funding for non-lethal military assistance and another €25 million to help Ukraine support its energy system,” Martin said.

He also confirmed the signing of a 2030 Roadmap on the Ireland–Ukraine Partnership, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in areas such as cyber resilience, education, culture, and trade.

“We’re focused on how we can further strengthen economic ties between us, including business-to-business and investment programmes,” he added.

‘Your struggle is our struggle’

Martin welcomed Zelenskyy with the Irish phrase “Céad míle fáilte”, meaning “a hundred thousand welcomes.” He drew parallels between Ireland’s own history of conflict and migration and Ukraine’s present struggle for sovereignty.

“As a people who have seen peace come and our country transformed, know that for as long as Ukraine needs our help and support, Ireland will be there for you,” Martin said.

“Your struggle is our struggle. Your success will be our success. We are with you for as long as it takes.”

Zelenskyy’s visit comes at a pivotal moment for Kyiv, as peace negotiations gain renewed international attention following the Witkoff–Putin meeting in Moscow.

While Ukraine remains cautious, Zelenskyy said his government continues to seek a settlement that ensures security, justice, and territorial integrity.

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