Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described recent U.S.-led peace talks as "constructive but not easy" this week, as global powers ramp up efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The remarks follow three days of intense negotiations in Miami between U.S. and Ukrainian officials, where territorial disputes and security guarantees took center stage. 🕊️
What’s on the Table?
Sources told Axios the Miami talks hit roadblocks over Russia’s demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawals in Donbas, while progress was made on U.S. security assurances for Kyiv. Zelenskyy later held a "long and substantive" call with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, vowing to work "in good faith" for peace.
Europe Steps In
Zelenskyy heads to London on Monday for talks with British, French, and German leaders, followed by meetings in Brussels. The diplomatic sprint comes as former U.S. President Trump claimed Zelenskyy "isn’t ready" to sign off on a Washington-backed proposal, though he praised the plan’s "good ideas."
Moscow’s Response
Russia cautiously welcomed updates to the U.S. national security strategy, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noting "room for hope" in resolving the conflict. The White House document emphasizes ending hostilities to stabilize Europe and rebuild Ukraine—a goal Kyiv says requires firm security guarantees.
As winter 2025 deepens, all eyes remain on whether these high-stakes talks can thaw one of the decade’s most protracted conflicts. ❄️🔥
