Zelenskyy voiced optimism on Thursday regarding the advancement of peace negotiations following discussions with Jared Kushner and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Zelenskyy stated that the Christmas discussion focused on continuing initiatives to end the war and work toward a stable, enduring peace.
“Today, we held a very positive conversation with President Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff @SEPeaceMissionsand @jaredkushner,” he posted on X, expressing gratitude for their “intense efforts” and “collaborative stance.”
“We are genuinely working around the clock to hasten the conclusion of this ruthless Russian war on Ukraine and to guarantee that all documents and measures are practical, impactful, and trustworthy,” Zelenskyy remarked.
Ukrainian officials have met multiple times in Miami over recent weeks to deliberate on potential components of a peace plan designed to end nearly four years of conflict.
Zelenskyy noted on Monday that the framework has been cut from 28 to 20 points and includes suggested security guarantees involving Ukraine, European allies, and the U.S., as well as an initial blueprint for Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery.
The Ukrainian president stated that the framework includes a separate document on security arrangements with the United States that would likely need review by the U.S. Congress.
He acknowledged that some disagreements persist, pointing out that both Ukraine and Russia hold positions they are unwilling to accept as U.S. talks with Russian officials proceed.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told a press briefing on Thursday that negotiations between Washington and Moscow were progressing slowly, while alleging unnamed Western European nations are attempting to sabotage the process.
According to Russia’s state-run Tass news agency, Zakharova stated that negotiations have demonstrated “slow but steady progress,” yet are accompanied by what she called “extremely damaging and even malicious efforts” to derail them.
Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Russia’s objectives in Ukraine remain unchanged and will be achieved either through negotiations or via additional military gains if diplomatic efforts fall short.
“The objectives of the special military operation will unquestionably be met,” he asserted, employing the Kremlin’s term to denote Moscow’s 2022 full-scale invasion.
“We would rather achieve this and tackle the underlying causes of the conflict through diplomatic channels. Nevertheless, if the opposing side and its foreign backers decline meaningful dialogue, Russia will secure the liberation of its historical territories via military action,” the Russian leader informed military officials, per a transcript of the speech released by the government.