Zelensky signals progress in talks with US to secure peace plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a “very constructive” phone call with Donald Trump’s peace envoy Steve Witkoff and the US president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Zelensky said they discussed how to ensure Russia remains committed to a possible agreement to end its war with Ukraine and that he was “determined” to continue working with the United States.

Ukrainian officials also joined the call from Miami, where they were on the third day of talks on US efforts to reach a peace agreement with Russia.

Moscow does not seem to have made any concessions and continues to carry out massive bombardments against Ukraine.

“Ukraine is determined to continue working in good faith with the American side to achieve real peace,” Zelensky said in his statement to X. he said.

“We covered many issues and discussed key points that could put an end to bloodshed and eliminate the threat of a new Russian full-scale invasion.”

Russia subjected Ukraine to further air and missile attacks overnight, drawing condemnation from Ukraine’s allies in the EU.

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a social media post that he spoke with Zelensky and offered “full solidarity.”

“France is determined to work with all its partners to secure de-escalation measures and implement a ceasefire,” Macron said. he added.

Macron had previously confirmed that he would join Zelensky, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the talks to be held in London on Monday.

The four leaders will discuss ongoing talks between US and Ukrainian officials aimed at reaching an agreement on guaranteeing Ukraine’s post-war security.

Two weeks ago, the four met virtually to discuss a European peacekeeping force that could be sent to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.

Sir Keir has repeatedly stressed that Ukraine must determine its own future and said a coalition of willing peacekeepers would play a “vital role” in guaranteeing the country’s security.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin rejected the idea of ​​such power He said any troops deployed to Ukraine would be a “legitimate target.”

Ukrainian officials said Russia launched 653 drones and 51 missiles on Friday night.

One of the attacks hit a railway hub in the town of Fastiv, southwest of Kiev, destroying the main station building and damaging rolling stock.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy said Russian attacks hit energy facilities in eight regions, causing power outages.

Russia says it targets military-industrial facilities, energy and port infrastructure.

US and Ukrainian negotiators called on Russia to show “serious commitment to long-term peace” after talks in Moscow failed to produce any progress.

Meanwhile, talks between Ukrainian and US officials in Florida to persuade Ukraine to accept a US-backed peace plan are entering their third day.

In a statement on Friday, Witkoff said two days of talks with Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s national security council, were “constructive.”

Without giving details, the statement stated that Witkoff and Umerov “agreed on the framework of security arrangements” and “discussed the deterrence capabilities necessary to maintain a lasting peace.”

The statement stated that the possibility of ending the war depends on Russia’s readiness to “take steps to reduce tensions and stop killings.”