Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced detailed talks with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as part of accelerating diplomatic moves aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Zelensky stated in a post on the platform "X" that the conversation lasted about an hour and a half, emphasizing the need to expedite negotiations to end the war as soon as possible, and underscoring Ukraine's readiness to take the necessary steps to achieve this.
These communications come ahead of a series of scheduled diplomatic meetings between representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, including meetings in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, aimed at advancing political settlement efforts.
In Washington, First Lady Melania Trump is set to host representatives from Russia and Ukraine, while Russian reports indicated that International Economic Cooperation Advisor Kirill Dmitriev and Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova will participate in the meeting, pending the completion of logistical arrangements.
Additionally, Ukraine's Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets is heading to Washington to participate in meetings with Melania Trump, coinciding with other discussions in Brussels gathering representatives from the European Union, the United Kingdom, NATO, and the United States.
These moves reflect intensified international efforts to revive the negotiation track, amidst hopes for a ceasefire and an end to the ongoing war between Moscow and Kyiv, despite continued disagreements and Ukrainian concerns regarding the nature of U.S.-Russian understandings.
Last month, Melania Trump announced a local truce in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, aimed at allowing civilians to leave after suffering from food and medicine shortages, for which Zelensky awarded her a national medal in recognition of her role in mediation.