Zelensky Speaks With Witkoff and Kushner After Florida Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a call on Sunday with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, representatives of US President Donald Trump. He said they discussed the results of the meeting between the Ukrainian and American teams in Florida.
Next steps in diplomacy
According to Zelensky, the teams are in near-constant contact and are preparing the next diplomatic steps. Partners are being kept informed about the real situation with Russian shelling, which “does not stop for a minute,” and about air defence needs. “A lot depends on America’s position here,” he said, adding that Ukraine remains ready to work constructively, honestly and for a real result.
Zelensky stressed that “peace comes only through strength and cooperation built on trust,” and that Ukraine is doing everything on its side so that the American position is strong and helps bring peace closer — peace that, in his words, everyone except Russia has awaited for more than four and a half years.
Background
On 9 October Witkoff and Kushner met the Ukrainian negotiating team and European representatives in Miami; media reported the talks ended early. Reuters reported that US envoys told Ukrainian negotiators that a deal allowing exports of Russian diesel was part of an attempt to bring Russia back to the table. Media also reported the envoys had threatened to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine over its refusal to halt strikes on Russian refineries, which Zelensky confirmed. The Financial Times reported that Washington proposed Europe unfreeze part of Russia’s sovereign assets and transfer them to a structure under US control, while The New York Times said the Trump administration also suggested Europe resume buying more Russian gas.