Zelensky Embraces New Peace Initiatives Following Talks with US Envoys

Fri Dec 26 2025 04:09:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses optimism after discussions with US representatives on potential resolutions for the ongoing war with Russia, signaling fresh ideas and diplomatic momentum.

In a recent conversation with US envoys, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted 'new ideas' aimed at forging peace in the Russia-Ukraine war. Following an hour-long call with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Zelensky reported progress in discussions, including elements of a revised peace plan previously agreed upon by US and Ukrainian officials. The ongoing diplomatic efforts contrast sharply with continued military actions on the ground, as Ukraine intensifies strikes against Russian military resources.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has given a positive assessment of a conversation he had with US envoys on how to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Zelensky said Thursday's call with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which lasted nearly an hour, had yielded new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and... timing on how to bring a real peace closer.

He spoke a day after sharing details of an updated 20-point peace plan, agreed upon by US and Ukrainian envoys in Florida.

Zelensky mentioned he had asked Witkoff and Kushner to convey Christmas greetings to US President Donald Trump and his family.

The Kremlin remarked it was analyzing proposals returned from the US by a Russian envoy.

Trump and his administration have been engaged in discussions with both Ukraine and Russia to broker a peace deal in light of the conflict that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.

Progress appears to be made in recent days as Zelensky commended the good ideas that emerged from his discussions with Witkoff and Kushner.

Describing it as an active day for Ukrainian diplomacy, Zelensky shared insights from the talks with the US envoys, acknowledging that while there is still work to be done on sensitive issues, progress is being made. He confirmed that Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov would follow up with both envoys soon.

The revised 20-point peace plan is seen as a crucial development compared to a proposal drafted by Witkoff and Russian negotiators weeks prior, which was criticized for favoring Russian interests heavily.

On the contentious topic of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, Zelensky hinted at the possibility of establishing a free economic zone. He insisted that any region vacated by Ukrainian forces must still be secured by Ukrainian law enforcement.

Amidst these diplomatic strides, the fighting in Ukraine continues unabated. The Ukrainian military claimed it struck one of Russia's key oil refineries in the southern Rostov region, which is vital for Russian military operations in eastern Ukraine. Concurrently, Russian forces declared control over Sviato-Pokrovske in Donetsk.