Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that he had a “very good conversation” with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner about ongoing efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy said the talks on Christmas Day focused on advancing a revised peace framework that has been reduced from an earlier proposal to roughly 20 points.
We reached out to the White House and the U.S. State Department for comment on the conversation but did not receive an immediate response.
Why It Matters
The Christmas talks come as part of broader negotiations aimed at ending nearly four years of war, including U.S.-led efforts to refine a peace plan that balances Ukrainian sovereignty and security guarantees with external commitments. A workable settlement could reshape European security dynamics, influence global diplomacy, and determine the future of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Still, differences remain over key issues such as territorial control and security arrangements.
What To Know
Zelenskyy said the most recent framework discussed with U.S. envoys has been reduced to about 20 points from an earlier 28-point draft and includes proposed security guarantees involving Ukraine, European allies, and the United States. The revised framework also outlines aspects of Ukraine’s postwar recovery and a separate bilateral document on U.S. security guarantees that could require review by the U.S. Congress.
While Ukrainian officials expressed optimism, they acknowledged unresolved differences remain between Kyiv and Moscow. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said negotiations were making slow but steady progress and accused some Western European nations of attempting to undermine the process.
The Kremlin confirmed it was reviewing peace documents delivered by U.S. special envoy Kirill Dmitriev but did not provide details on Russia’s position.
What People Are Saying
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, said on X (formerly Twitter): “We are truly working 24/7 to bring closer the end of this brutal Russian war against Ukraine and to ensure that all documents and steps are realistic, effective, and reliable.”
Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, told reporters that negotiations showed “slow but steady progress” but were accompanied by efforts to derail diplomatic efforts, according to Reuters.
What Happens Next
The Ukrainian team is expected to continue discussions with U.S. envoys, with further dialogue involving Russian counterparts still unfolding. Both sides will likely assess the revised framework and work toward resolving remaining points ahead of potential future meetings in Moscow or Washington.
