Zelenskiy Seeks New US Talks to Revive Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed fresh discussions with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in the coming days as Washington intensifies diplomatic efforts to restart peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Speaking during his nightly video address on Tuesday, October 13, Zelenskiy confirmed that Kyiv had submitted proposals to American officials outlining possible meetings aimed at advancing diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict.

The Ukrainian leader said his administration was prepared to engage directly with Witkoff and Kushner as the United States seeks to bring Moscow and Kyiv back to the negotiating table.

"Our team has sent the American side the relevant proposals regarding possible next meetings and conversations," Zelenskiy said.

He added that Ukraine was ready to meet within days and had communicated the proposal to both US representatives through his diplomatic team.

The latest initiative follows discussions held in the United States last week between American officials and a Ukrainian delegation. During those meetings, Witkoff and Kushner reportedly explained that an agreement permitting Russian diesel exports was intended to encourage Moscow to resume peace negotiations.

The proposed arrangement forms part of Washington's broader diplomatic strategy to create conditions that could persuade Russia to return to discussions with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Zelenskiy expressed support for US President Donald Trump's proposed energy truce, emphasizing that Kyiv would back the initiative provided Russia complied with its terms.

Ukraine's position highlights the importance of reciprocal commitments in any potential ceasefire arrangement, particularly one involving energy infrastructure and related operations.

The proposed energy truce could become another element of ongoing US-led diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and establish a framework for renewed negotiations.

However, Ukraine's willingness to support the initiative remains conditional on Moscow honoring the agreement.

The renewed diplomatic outreach comes as the Trump administration continues exploring ways to revive stalled Ukraine-Russia peace talks.

With Kyiv signaling its readiness for additional meetings, attention now turns to whether Washington's diplomatic initiatives can secure Russia's participation and generate meaningful progress toward a negotiated settlement.