🔗 Share this article

The peace push to end the war in Ukraine could be entering a "critical week," the EU's lead foreign affairs official has remarked, as a representative for former President Donald Trump gears up to meet Vladimir Putin following recent discussions with Ukrainian representatives.

Envoy Amid Controversial Ties with Moscow Scheduled for Talks

Steve Witkoff, the businessman now serving as negotiator, is scheduled to hold talks with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, the Kremlin stated. Witkoff was in recent reports revealed for advising Russian diplomats on methods to secure Trump's support.

"This may be a decisive week for diplomacy," remarked the EU's top diplomat, but adding it was "evident that Russia is not interested in peace."

Ukrainian Leader's Diplomatic Push for Support

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy embarked on a diplomatic push to rally support from Ukraine's European allies. He conferred with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to talk over "the terms of a equitable and sustainable peace," the Élysée Palace reported.

The Ukrainian leader is additionally scheduled to make his inaugural state visit to Ireland on Tuesday. Simultaneously, his defence minister, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for meetings with his EU colleagues.

Concern over US-Led Talks

The EU diplomat shared frustration that Europeans were not included in weekend negotiations held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she characterized as "challenging yet fruitful." In response to a question about having faith in the US to secure a favorable solution for Ukraine, she commented, "Ukraine's representatives are there by themselves. If they were together with the Europeans, they would definitely be in a better position."

Writing on the platform X, Zelenskyy stated the US talks had been "very constructive" but that there were "some tough issues that remain to be worked through."

Worry over American Proposals

European leaders were previously concerned by a US plan that surfaced last month, which was seen as skewed in Russia's favor. Its alleged terms included ceding Moscow areas in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, requiring Kyiv to limit the size of its army, and renouncing its goal to join NATO. While that initial plan has reportedly been scaled back, Witkoff's upcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth face-to-face meeting with Putin—is likely to heighten concern in Kyiv and throughout European governments.

Witkoff is set to travel to Russia on Monday, with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to continue discussions. Kushner previously played an prominent role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin did not specify whether Kushner would too be present at the meeting with Putin.

Florida Talks and Domestic Pressure

The two trusted Trump representatives took part in the weekend discussions between senior Ukrainian and US delegates, which took place at a private golf club developed by Witkoff's company.

After the meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope for an end to the war. "More work to be done. This is delicate," Rubio said. "We have a lot of elements, and clearly there's another side involved here... that will have to be a part of the solution."

Adding to the international pressure, President Zelenskyy is under domestic strain following the sudden resignation of his head of cabinet and top aide, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in response to a expanding anti-corruption investigation that has become the biggest crisis of Zelenskyy's time in office.