Ukraine's Zelenskiy says he had a 'positive' conversation with US envoys Witkoff and Kushner

KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday that he held a “positive” conversation with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, expressing cautious optimism about renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the Russia–Ukraine war.

In a post on Telegram, Zelenskiy described the discussion as “very positive,” saying it took place during a stopover in Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, as he returned to Kyiv following talks in London with European leaders. He added that the envoys had shown readiness to work “as actively as possible” in the coming weeks to advance negotiations and strengthen diplomatic momentum toward ending Russia’s invasion.

Zelenskiy’s remarks came after meetings with the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany, where European support was voiced for the idea of a potential direct meeting between Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to pursue a ceasefire framework. European officials also emphasized that the continent would play a key role in any future settlement process.

The U.S.-backed diplomatic track, involving Witkoff and Kushner — the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump — has reportedly stalled in recent months as Washington’s attention has increasingly shifted toward escalating tensions involving Iran. Despite this, Ukrainian and U.S. officials are continuing discussions about a possible visit by the two envoys to Kyiv in the coming weeks, which would mark their first official trip to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy also said he spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron following his conversation with the U.S. envoys, coordinating next steps and reviewing outcomes of the London talks. Those discussions also included British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

While acknowledging global attention on the Middle East, Zelenskiy stressed that efforts to secure peace in Europe remain a priority. He also said he and the U.S. envoys discussed upcoming diplomatic opportunities, including potential meetings at the G7 summit in France.

Renewed calls for ceasefire amid UN discussions

Diplomatic efforts were also highlighted at a special session of the United Nations Security Council on Monday, the fifth meeting on the war in just 20 days. Representatives from the European Union, the United States, and China urged continued engagement to reach a ceasefire agreement.

UN humanitarian official Indrika Ratwatte warned that Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian population centers, reporting at least 30 civilian deaths and around 200 injuries since Friday. He also noted damage to humanitarian vehicles in the southern Kherson region, calling the attacks “unacceptable” and highlighting risks faced by aid workers.

Ukraine’s UN envoy Andriy Melnyk told the council that Putin had rejected a proposal for direct talks between the two leaders, while Russia’s representative Vasily Nebenzya dismissed Ukraine’s initiative as “rudeness and ultimatums,” insisting Moscow is seeking what it calls a “real settlement” rather than “imitation talks.”

As diplomatic activity continues across multiple channels, the outlook for a near-term breakthrough remains uncertain, with both sides maintaining sharply different positions on the conditions for ending the conflict. -Reporting by Yuliia Dysa in Kyiv and Andrea Shalal in Washington; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Ron Popeski and Lincoln Feast/Reuters