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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that Ukraine and the United States discussed “new ideas” on timing and formats to end Russia’s war against his country during an hour-long meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
In an evening address, Zelenskyy said some documents related to the peace process are already prepared or nearing completion as diplomatic engagement between Kyiv and Washington intensifies.
“We have some new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and, of course, timing on how to bring a real peace closer,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s senior negotiator, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, will continue detailed talks with the U.S. side as discussions move forward.
“We are truly working 24/7 to bring closer the end of this brutal Russian war against Ukraine and to ensure that all documents and steps are realistic, effective, and reliable,” he said.
He acknowledged that negotiations still involve “sensitive issues” but said both sides understand how to implement the measures under discussion.
“There are good ideas that can work toward a shared outcome and lasting peace,” Zelenskyy said. “Real security, real recovery, and real peace are what all of us need — Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and every partner who helps us.”
Zelenskyy said he also spoke with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to coordinate European support and said he plans to brief other European leaders to ensure partners move “at the same pace” toward a common objective.
He expressed gratitude for what he described as warm messages and Christmas greetings exchanged during the talks with the U.S. delegation.
Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian side was represented by a senior delegation including Umerov, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov.
A U.S.-backed peace proposal was initially outlined earlier this year as a 28-point plan and has since been revised during negotiations with Kyiv. A streamlined 20-point version is now under review by Moscow.
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Zelenskyy said Wednesday that Ukraine had secured limited concessions in the latest draft, including the removal of provisions that would have required immediate Ukrainian withdrawal from parts of eastern Ukraine or formal recognition of territory seized by Russian forces.
However, he acknowledged that some elements of the proposal remain unacceptable to Kyiv.
Russia has previously insisted on Ukrainian withdrawal from occupied eastern regions, a demand Kyiv has rejected.
Zelenskyy said the coming weeks are expected to be intensive, as pressure continues on Moscow to show it is prepared to end the war or face “severe consequences.”
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