Zelensky Hails Constructive Talks As US Pushes Russia Peace Deal

Zelensky Hails ‘Constructive’ Talks As US Pushes Russia Peace Deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signalled progress in the Trump administration’s push for a negotiated end to the war, describing a late-night call with US peace envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner as “very constructive”.

Zelensky said the discussion focused on ways to force Russia to comply with any potential agreement — including deterrence guarantees intended to prevent a second full-scale invasion. “Ukraine is determined to keep working in good faith with the American side to genuinely achieve peace,” he said, stressing that Kyiv is engaging “point by point” on a US-drafted plan.

The call followed a third day of negotiations in Miami, where Ukrainian officials are attempting to hammer out the detail of Washington’s proposed settlement. Witkoff and Ukrainian national security chief Rustem Umerov later issued a joint statement saying they had agreed a “framework of security arrangements”, though neither side disclosed specifics.

Even as diplomats talked, Russia unleashed one of its heaviest bombardments in weeks, launching 653 drones and 51 missiles overnight, according to Ukrainian authorities. Strikes hit a railway hub in Fastiv and energy sites in eight regions, triggering widespread blackouts. Moscow insisted it targeted military-industrial facilities.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron condemned the barrage and reaffirmed “full solidarity” with Ukraine ahead of a high-stakes London summit on Monday with Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The four leaders are expected to discuss Europe’s role in any settlement, including a proposed peacekeeping force ready to deploy if a ceasefire is reached — an idea Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed, warning any foreign troops would be “legitimate targets”.

US negotiators say the talks now hinge on Moscow’s willingness to show a “serious commitment to long-term peace”, after discussions in the Russian capital failed to secure concessions.

Key Takeaways

• US pushing hard for a deal: Zelensky says talks with Trump’s envoys made progress, with a working framework emerging in Miami.

• Bombs falling during peace push: Russia unleashes massive drone and missile strikes even as negotiations intensify.

• Europe preparing for post-war role: London summit to hash out security guarantees and potential peacekeeping deployment.

SOURCE BBC