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’s compliance with any potential 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 are participating in a third day of talks on US efforts to engineer a peace deal with Russia.

Moscow does not appear to have made any concessions, and continues to carry out large-scale bombing operations against Ukraine.

Zelensky said in statements to Channel X: “Ukraine is determined to continue working in good faith with the American side to achieve true peace.”

“We covered many aspects and touched on the main points that could ensure an end to the bloodshed and eliminate the threat of a new large-scale Russian invasion.”

Russia subjected Ukraine to more air and missile strikes overnight, drawing condemnation from Ukraine’s allies in the European Union.

In a post on social media, French President Emmanuel Macron said he had spoken to Zelensky and expressed his “full solidarity.”

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

Earlier, Macron confirmed that he would join Zelensky, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in talks in London on Monday.

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

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

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the idea of ​​creating such a force Saying that any forces deployed in Ukraine would be “legitimate targets.”

Ukrainian authorities say that Russia launched 653 drones and 51 missiles on Friday evening.

One of the raids hit a railway center in the town of Fastev, southwest of Kiev, destroying the main station building and damaging railway equipment.

The Ukrainian Energy Ministry said that the Russian attacks hit energy facilities in eight regions, leading to power outages.

Russia says it targeted military industrial sites, energy infrastructure and ports.

US and Ukrainian negotiators urged Russia to show a “serious commitment to long-term peace” after talks in Moscow failed to achieve a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, talks in Florida between Ukrainian and American officials to persuade Ukraine to accept the US-backed peace plan entered their third day.

In a statement issued on Friday, Vitkov said the two-day talks with Rustam Umarov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security Council, were “constructive.”

Witkopf and Omeroff “agreed on the framework of security arrangements” and “discussed the deterrence capabilities necessary to maintain a lasting peace,” their statement said.

The statement added that the possibility of ending the war depends on Russia’s willingness to take “steps towards stopping the escalation and stopping the killing.”