Zelenskiy Describes “Substantive” Call With Trump Envoys as Ukraine, U.S. Explore Peace Path

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that he held a long and “substantive” phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, emphasizing that Kyiv remains committed to pursuing genuine peace efforts with Washington’s involvement. According to Zelenskiy, both sides confirmed their readiness to move forward and agreed on upcoming steps and potential formats for continued negotiations with the United States, underscoring the growing diplomatic focus on ending the conflict with Russia.

The conversation followed two days of meetings in Miami between Witkoff, Kushner, and Ukraine’s senior negotiator Rustem Umerov. Those discussions were described as constructive by both parties, with talks centered on developing a credible and durable pathway toward a just peace in Ukraine. The U.S. envoys were expected to brief Umerov on Witkoff’s recent meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin—a point of significant interest as Kyiv evaluates possible diplomatic openings.

Zelenskiy noted that while the initial call was productive, some matters require face-to-face discussion. He said he is awaiting Umerov’s detailed report when he returns to Kyiv, adding that close collaboration between negotiating teams is essential as they explore ideas and proposals for long-term stability. The Ukrainian leader stressed that every measure presented must be realistic and actionable, highlighting peace, security, and reconstruction as core priorities.

As diplomatic channels between Ukraine, the United States, and other international partners continue to evolve, Kyiv aims to ensure that any agreement aligns with its national interests and contributes to a sustainable resolution. The renewed engagement with Trump’s envoys signals ongoing U.S. interest in shaping a potential peace framework as the war enters another year.