The United States is stepping up diplomatic efforts to advance peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders this weekend, a White House official confirmed to AFP.
The meetings come after Trump unveiled a 28-point peace proposal last month. Critics have said the plan echoes key Russian demands, including territorial concessions from Ukraine. Kyiv recently submitted an updated version of its own plan to Washington.
Germany will host the high-level discussions next Monday. The event will include leaders from the European Union, NATO, and Germany itself. Zelensky will first attend a German-Ukrainian business forum with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The latest US-led plan includes the idea of a speedy EU accession for Ukraine. Under the proposal, Ukraine could join the European Union as early as January 2027. However, the EU accession process typically takes years and requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states.Countries like Hungary have consistently opposed Ukraine’s membership.
European and Ukrainian officials are also pushing the United States for security guarantees. French authorities said these guarantees must be provided before Ukraine agrees to any territorial concessions. Alyona Getmanchuk, Ukraine’s ambassador to NATO, emphasized that binding security guarantees are a prerequisite for peace.
Moscow has expressed skepticism about the revised US plan. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Russia believes the new version may be “worsened” and noted Moscow has not yet received the updated draft.
Zelensky stressed that the US wants Ukraine—not Russia—to withdraw from certain areas in Donetsk. The plan proposes a demilitarized “free economic zone” to serve as a buffer. Kyiv officials, however, told French President Macron’s office that they are not considering a territorial deal at this stage.
The US envoy’s meetings with Zelensky and European leaders are expected to focus on the status of negotiations and coordination on security and EU accession. Observers say the talks signal an intensification of diplomacy, but challenges remain due to Moscow’s military gains and political sensitivities across Europe.
The upcoming discussions could shape the trajectory of the war and Ukraine’s future in Europe.
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