Ukraine prepares for talks with U.S. as Zelenskyy stresses peace efforts

Ukraine prepares for talks with U.S. as Zelenskyy stresses peace efforts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Dublin, Ireland, December 2, 2025.
Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Ukraine is preparing for upcoming talks with U.S. President Donald Trump’s team, following recent diplomatic meetings in Moscow and Washington.

Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian officials, including Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov, will continue dialogue with Trump’s representatives in the coming days.

“There is constant contact among all partners and between the partners and Ukraine,” he said, stressing that updates on meetings, whether in-person or via phone, are expected soon.

The president highlighted progress in earlier talks held in Geneva and Florida, where Ukraine’s positions were reportedly heard and considered.

“Only by taking Ukraine’s interests into account is a dignified peace possible,” Zelenskyy said, emphasising the need for continued diplomacy reinforced by pressure on Russia.

His remarks come after Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. The Kremlin reported no compromises had been reached on a potential peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

Last week, a leaked set of 28 U.S. draft peace proposals alarmed Ukrainian and European officials, who said the framework appeared to favour Moscow’s main demands, including NATO restrictions, Russian control of part of Ukraine, and limitations on the Ukrainian army.

European powers later submitted a counter-proposal, and the U.S. and Ukraine announced the creation of an “updated and refined peace framework” during talks in Geneva. Details of these discussions have not been publicly released.

Zelenskyy reiterated that daily coordination and communication with international leaders are essential to security and peace.

“Right now the world clearly feels that there is an opportunity to end the war, and that current diplomatic activity must be reinforced with pressure on Russia. Both components work for peace,” he said.

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