Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described a recent discussion with American mediators as constructive and hopeful for advancing peace efforts. The nearly hour-long conversation on Thursday with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner explored fresh ideas regarding formats, timing, and meetings that could help bring a tangible peace closer.
Zelensky’s remarks came a day after he unveiled more details about an updated 20-point peace proposal, which was developed with input from US and Ukrainian representatives during talks in Florida.
He also asked the visiting envoys to convey Christmas greetings to former US President Donald Trump and his family.
Diplomacy Continues Amid Ongoing Conflict
According to the Kremlin, Russian officials are currently reviewing the peace suggestions that were delivered from the United States by Moscow’s envoy. Trump, along with members of his diplomatic team, has been engaged in discussions with both Kyiv and Moscow in an attempt to broker an end to the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In recent days, Zelensky has acknowledged progress, praising the “positive proposals” presented by Witkoff and Kushner. He called the day a particularly “active one” for Ukrainian diplomacy.
Zelensky acknowledged that sensitive issues remain unresolved, but emphasized that discussions with the American delegation have clarified the steps needed to move forward. He noted that Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, will continue talks with the US team.
The revised 20-point framework is considered an update to an earlier draft crafted by Witkoff weeks ago. That original version was viewed by Kyiv and many European partners as heavily favoring Russian demands from before the war, raising concerns it would effectively force Ukraine into unacceptable concessions.
Under the refreshed proposal described by Zelensky, Ukraine could withdraw troops from parts of the east, replaced temporarily by a demilitarised zone. In return, the plan now includes binding security assurances from the US, NATO, and European allies, pledging coordinated military aid if Russia launches another invasion.
On the sensitive matter of Ukraine’s industrial Donetsk region, Zelensky mentioned the option of establishing a free economic zone, but reaffirmed that any territory Ukrainian forces leave must remain under Ukrainian oversight.
Currently, Moscow controls about 75% of Donetsk and nearly all of neighboring Luhansk, regions collectively known as the Donbas.
Zelensky has faced intense pressure from Trump’s camp to relinquish full control of Donbas in the course of negotiations. Ukraine’s president has so far rejected territorial concessions, insisting on firm security guarantees as a precondition for peace.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that Ukrainian forces must withdraw from Donbas, or Russia will claim the territory.
On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow is reviewing the latest proposals brought back from the United States by Russian representative Kirill Dmitriev, and will determine next steps once decisions are made by the Russian leadership.
While diplomatic engagement continues, combat operations have not ceased. Ukrainian forces reported that they struck a key Russian oil refinery near Rostov with cruise missiles. The Novoshakhtinsk facility, close to the Ukrainian border, is a vital fuel source for Russian military logistics in occupied eastern territories.
The Russian defence ministry claimed it has taken control of Sviato-Pokrovske in Donetsk. Earlier this week, Ukrainian troops withdrew from the heavily contested eastern town of Siversk. Its capture by Russian forces brings them closer to two remaining major cities in Donetsk—Sloviansk and Kramatorsk—still held by Ukraine.