The political endeavor to end the war in Ukraine might be facing a "decisive week," the European Union's top diplomat has stated, as a representative for ex-leader Donald Trump prepares to confer with Vladimir Putin after recent talks with Ukrainian representatives.
Representative with Questionable Links to Moscow Scheduled for Meeting
Steve Witkoff, the property developer now serving as negotiator, is set to confer with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, according to. Witkoff was recently exposed for advising Russian representatives on how to win Trump's favor.
"This may be a critical week for peace efforts," remarked the EU's lead official, while stressing it was "obvious that Russia is not interested in peace."
Ukrainian Leader's Diplomatic Push for Backing
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy embarked on a tour to secure support from Ukraine's European friends. He met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to talk over "the conditions of a fair and lasting peace," as stated by.
The Ukrainian leader is also scheduled to make his inaugural state visit to Ireland on Tuesday. At the same time, his defense chief, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for talks with his EU equivalents.
Concern over American Negotiations
The EU diplomat voiced concern that Europeans were not represented in recent talks held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she characterized as "difficult but productive." When asked about trusting the US to secure a favorable solution for Ukraine, she noted, "Ukraine's representatives are there alone. If they would be together with the Europeans, they would definitely be far more powerful."
Writing on the platform X, Zelenskyy noted the US talks had been "highly productive" but that there were "several difficult issues that remain to be addressed."
Anxiety over American Proposals
European leaders were earlier alarmed by a US plan that circulated last month, which was heavily tilted in Russia's interest. Its reported terms included granting Moscow territories in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, forcing Kyiv to limit the size of its army, and abandoning its bid to join NATO. While that original plan has reportedly been modified, Witkoff's forthcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth face-to-face meeting with Putin—is expected to fuel concern in Kyiv and across European governments.
Witkoff is set to travel to Russia on Monday, with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to continue discussions. Kushner recently played an prominent role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Kushner would too attend the meeting with Putin.
Florida Discussions and Political Strain
The two close Trump representatives were involved in the Florida talks 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 optimism for an end to the war. "There's more work to be done. This is delicate," Rubio said. "There are a lot of moving parts, and clearly there's another side involved here... that will have to be a part of the solution."
Adding to the international challenges, President Zelenskyy is facing domestic pressure following the abrupt resignation of his head of cabinet and top aide, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in the wake of a widening corruption investigation that has become the biggest crisis of Zelenskyy's presidency.
