Coming Times May Prove 'Decisive' in Negotiations to End Ukraine Conflict, European Union Top Official States

The diplomatic effort to end the conflict in Ukraine could be entering a "decisive week," the European Union's lead foreign affairs official has stated, as a representative for former President Donald Trump prepares to meet Vladimir Putin after recent talks with Ukrainian officials.

Envoy Amid Questionable Links to Moscow Set for Talks

Steve Witkoff, the property developer now serving as negotiator, is set to confer with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, as announced by. Witkoff was in recent reports revealed for advising Russian officials on how to win Trump's favor.

"It could be a pivotal week for peace efforts," remarked the EU's top diplomat, but stressing it was "clear that Russia is not seeking peace."

Zelenskyy's European Push for Support

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy undertook a mission to mobilize support from Ukraine's European partners. He conferred with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to discuss "the conditions of a fair and lasting peace," according to.

The Ukrainian leader is additionally expected to make his first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday. Simultaneously, his defense chief, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for discussions with his EU equivalents.

Concern over American Talks

The EU diplomat shared concern that Europeans were not represented in weekend negotiations held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she described as "tough but constructive." When asked about having faith in the US to find a good resolution for Ukraine, she noted, "Ukraine's representatives are there by themselves. If they were together with the Europeans, they would certainly be far more powerful."

Writing on social media, Zelenskyy stated the US talks had been "very constructive" but that there were "a number of challenging issues that still have to be worked through."

Anxiety over US Peace Plan

European leaders were previously concerned by a US proposal that surfaced last month, which was seen as skewed in Russia's favor. Its reported terms included granting Moscow territories in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, requiring Kyiv to cap the size of its army, and renouncing its bid to join NATO. While that initial plan has reportedly been scaled back, Witkoff's upcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth face-to-face meeting with Putin—is likely to increase unease in Kyiv and across European governments.

Witkoff is due to fly to Russia on Monday, accompanied by Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to advance negotiations. Kushner recently played an prominent role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Kushner would too be present at the talks with Putin.

Florida Discussions and Political Pressure

The two close Trump representatives took part in the weekend talks between senior Ukrainian and US delegates, which occurred at a private golf club built by Witkoff's company.

After the session, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism for an end to the war. "More work to be done. This is complex," Rubio stated. "There are a lot of moving parts, and clearly there's another party involved here... that will have to be a part of the equation."

Adding to the international challenges, President Zelenskyy is under internal strain following the unexpected resignation of his chief of staff and closest adviser, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in response to a widening anti-corruption investigation that has become the biggest scandal of Zelenskyy's presidency.