Zelenskiy Calls Talks With U.S. Envoys “Constructive but Difficult” as Ukraine Pushes for Peace Plan

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says recent discussions with U.S. representatives on a potential peace plan for Ukraine were “constructive, although not easy,” highlighting the complexity of efforts to end Russia’s full-scale invasion. The remarks came ahead of a new round of consultations with key European leaders, including those from France, Britain, and Germany, during meetings scheduled in London and Brussels.

Zelenskiy spoke after holding a call with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. According to Zelenskiy, the American negotiators understand Ukraine’s core positions, particularly its insistence on security guarantees and the restoration of control over Russian-occupied territories. These issues remain central obstacles in ongoing diplomatic efforts, despite continuous U.S. mediation.

Trump has repeatedly described the war—now approaching its fourth year and considered Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two—as his most challenging foreign policy issue. While the U.S. maintains active involvement, progress has been slow due to disagreements over Ukraine’s security architecture and the future status of regions held by Russia.

Moscow continues to claim openness to negotiations while accusing Kyiv and Western nations of obstructing peace. Ukraine and its allies counter that Russia is deliberately delaying meaningful talks to solidify territorial gains and maintain strategic leverage.

European leaders advocate a gradual diplomatic roadmap paired with long-term security guarantees and sustained military assistance for Kyiv. Trump’s approach, however, places emphasis on rapid deal-making and shifting more responsibility to U.S. partners. Diplomats caution that negotiations remain fragile, highly sensitive to political changes in Washington, and dependent on the alignment of Western strategies.

As Ukraine intensifies outreach to both U.S. and European leaders, the trajectory of the peace process remains uncertain, yet the renewed dialogue signals ongoing efforts to find a viable path toward ending the war.