Approaching Times Could Be 'Decisive' for Discussions to End Ukraine Conflict, European Union Chief Diplomat Declares

The diplomatic effort to end the fighting in Ukraine might be facing a "decisive week," the European Union's top diplomat has stated, as a special envoy for ex-leader Donald Trump gets ready to meet Vladimir Putin after recent discussions with Ukrainian leaders.

Representative Amid Questionable Ties with Moscow Set for Talks

Steve Witkoff, the property developer now serving as envoy, is due to confer with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, as announced by. Witkoff was previously revealed for instructing Russian diplomats on ways to gain Trump's support.

"It could be a pivotal week for diplomacy," remarked the EU's foreign policy chief, but adding it was "evident that Russia does not want peace."

Ukrainian Leader's Diplomatic Tour for Support

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy undertook a tour to rally support from Ukraine's European partners. He conferred with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to talk over "the foundations of a equitable and sustainable peace," the Élysée Palace reported.

The Ukrainian leader is additionally expected to make his inaugural state visit to Ireland on Tuesday. At the same time, his defence minister, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for talks with his EU equivalents.

Concern over American Negotiations

The EU official expressed concern that Europeans were not included in recent negotiations held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she described as "challenging yet fruitful." In response to a question about having faith in the US to find a positive solution for Ukraine, she commented, "Ukrainians are there alone. If they would be together with the Europeans, they would undoubtedly be in a better position."

Writing on the platform X, Zelenskyy stated the US talks had been "very constructive" but that there were "some tough issues that must still be addressed."

Anxiety over US Peace Plan

European leaders were earlier alarmed by a US proposal that circulated last month, which was seen as skewed in Russia's favor. Its reported terms included granting Moscow areas 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 initial plan has reportedly been scaled back, Witkoff's upcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth meeting with Putin—is likely to fuel anxiety in Kyiv and across European governments.

Witkoff is expected to fly to Russia on Monday, with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to proceed with negotiations. Kushner recently played an active role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin did not specify whether Kushner would also be present at the talks with Putin.

Weekend Talks and Political Strain

The two close Trump envoys participated in the weekend discussions between senior Ukrainian and US delegates, which were held at a private golf club developed by Witkoff's company.

After the session, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced optimism for an end to the war. "There's more work to be done. This is sensitive," Rubio stated. "We have a lot of elements, and clearly there's another side involved here... that will have to be a part of the process."

Amid the international challenges, President Zelenskyy is under internal pressure following the sudden resignation of his head of cabinet and closest adviser, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in response to a expanding anti-corruption investigation that has become the biggest crisis of Zelenskyy's time in office.