Approaching Days Might Prove 'Decisive' for Talks to Halt Ukraine War, European Union Chief Diplomat Says

The political push to conclude the fighting in Ukraine may be approaching a "pivotal week," the European Union's foreign policy chief has remarked, as a special envoy for former President Donald Trump gears up to confer with Vladimir Putin after weekend discussions with Ukrainian representatives.

Envoy with Controversial Ties with Russia Set for Talks

Steve Witkoff, the property developer now serving as peace envoy, is scheduled to confer with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, according to. Witkoff was in recent reports revealed for instructing Russian representatives on methods to secure Trump's backing.

"It could be a decisive week for negotiations," said the EU's foreign policy chief, but adding it was "obvious that Russia does not want peace."

Zelenskyy's European Tour for Support

Meanwhile, Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy undertook a tour to mobilize support from Ukraine's European friends. He conferred with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to talk over "the terms of a fair and lasting peace," according to.

The Ukrainian leader is additionally expected to make his first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday. Concurrently, his defence minister, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for talks with his EU equivalents.

Concern over American Negotiations

The EU official shared concern that Europeans were not included in weekend talks held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she characterized as "challenging yet fruitful." When asked about having faith in the US to find a favorable resolution for Ukraine, she commented, "Ukraine's representatives are there alone. If they would be together with the Europeans, they would undoubtedly be much stronger."

Writing on the platform X, Zelenskyy noted the US talks had been "very constructive" but that there were "some tough issues that remain to be resolved."

Worry over American Peace Plan

European leaders were earlier concerned by a US proposal that circulated last month, which was seen as skewed in Russia's favor. Its alleged terms included ceding Moscow regions in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, requiring Kyiv to limit the size of its army, and renouncing its goal to join NATO. While that initial plan has reportedly been modified, Witkoff's upcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth face-to-face meeting with Putin—is likely to heighten concern in Kyiv and throughout European capitals.

Witkoff is due to travel to Russia on Monday, with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to advance negotiations. Kushner previously played an key role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Kushner would too attend the talks with Putin.

Florida Discussions and Political Strain

The two trusted Trump representatives participated in the weekend talks between senior Ukrainian and US delegates, which were held at a exclusive golf club built by Witkoff's company.

After the meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope for an end to the war. "More work to be done. This is complex," Rubio said. "There are a lot of moving parts, and obviously there's another party involved here... that will have to be a part of the process."

Amid the diplomatic challenges, President Zelenskyy is facing internal pressure following the unexpected resignation of his head of cabinet and top aide, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in response to a widening corruption investigation that has become the biggest scandal of Zelenskyy's presidency.