Zelensky Discusses Potential Peace Terms with Trump Advisers in Two-Hour Call
MIAMI – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a two-hour call Saturday with Donald Trump advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, focusing on potential territorial concessions and security guarantees as part of ongoing peace negotiations, two sources familiar with the discussion confirmed to Axios. The call followed days of intensive talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Miami regarding a proposed peace plan spearheaded by the Trump team.
The conversation capped a three-day period of “marathon negotiations” and came after Witkoff and Kushner concluded a five-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. According to a source with direct knowledge, the U.S. representatives pressed both Putin and Zelensky to consider concessions necessary to reach a deal, having gathered input from both sides.
Saturday’s call included Zelensky, along with Ukrainian national security adviser rustem Umerov and military chief of staff Andrii Hnatov. Witkoff and Kushner represented the U.S. in the discussions.
Territorial disputes proved particularly challenging,with Russia continuing to demand Ukraine cede control of portions of the Donbas region. Though, a second source indicated the U.S. is actively exploring new approaches to bridge this gap.
Significant progress was also reported on the issue of U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, with parties nearing agreement.Though, further work is needed to ensure a shared understanding of the draft security guarantee terms.
“The main challenging issues concern territorial matters and security guarantees. We are aiming to ensure that the agreed solutions are realistic, fair, and lasting,” Ukrainian ambassador to Washington Olha stefanishyna told Axios on Saturday.
Following the call, Zelensky posted on X (formerly Twitter), describing the discussion as “very focused” and “constructive.” He added, “We… went through key points that could ensure an end to the bloodshed and eliminate the threat of a new Russian full scale invasion, and also the risk of Russia failing to honour its promises, as has happened repeatedly in the past.”
Umerov and Hnatov are expected to travel from Miami to London on Monday to brief Zelensky on the U.S. proposals. A Ukrainian official stated,”We need to take all the drafts and to brainstorm.” Further talks and in-person meetings with Witkoff and Kushner are anticipated later this week, with Ambassador Stefanishyna emphasizing that “Negotiations will continue, and in-person meetings are crucial.”
