Zelenskyy Expects Vitkoff and Kushner to Make Progress in Peace Talks with Russia
Ukraine is ready for any format of meetings as part of the negotiations to end the war and continues to coordinate its actions with the United States. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is counting on the active participation of U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in diplomatic efforts throughout August.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine is in daily contact with representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump. According to him, coordination with the American side remains one of the main priorities in the negotiations. The president noted that during a recent meeting in Washington, the parties discussed how to create new conditions for genuine diplomacy. “The meeting focused on the negotiations, first and foremost our coordination with the U.S. We are in daily contact with representatives of President Trump—this is important,” Zelenskyy said.
According to him, Ukraine is working to implement the agreements reached during its contacts with the U.S. The discussion on the negotiation process involved the Head of the President’s Office, Kyrylo Budanov; Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov; Chairman of the “Servant of the People” faction, Davyd Arakhamia; and Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Andriy Kyslytsia.
Each of them reported on specific areas of the negotiation track. In particular, they discussed the current status of the negotiations and Moscow’s stance on the possibility of continuing the diplomatic process.
Kyiv Awaits Action from Witkoff and Kushner
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine does not rule out any format of meetings and is ready to work toward a diplomatic solution. “We will be ready for all formats of meetings; we expect that now, in August, Witkoff and Kushner will be active,” the president stated.
Thus, Kyiv expects the U.S. side to participate more actively in the negotiations in the coming weeks. This refers, in particular, to Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President’s Special Representative, who is involved in diplomatic contacts regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, and Jared Kushner, with whom the U.S. side is also coordinating efforts on the peace process.
Ukraine is also working with other partners
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is simultaneously maintaining contacts with other international partners. Among them are the Gulf states, which can assist with diplomatic efforts and support Ukraine in the security sphere.
The president did not disclose details of these contacts. “For now, since this is off the record and without specifics, we cannot disclose everything. We will be grateful to our partners for the outcome,” he noted.
According to Zelenskyy, work is proceeding on several fronts simultaneously. Kyiv is coordinating its negotiating position with the U.S., monitoring Russia’s readiness for diplomacy, and simultaneously seeking support from other partners.
The President emphasized that Ukraine is ready to continue negotiations in various formats. At the same time, specific agreements and further steps will depend on the position of partners and Russia’s readiness for a genuine negotiation process. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made these remarks during a video address.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law expanding the rights of military personnel who have been conditionally and prematurely discharged to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The document provides them with additional social guarantees, the right to transfer, and new grounds for discharge from service.
