As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, a redrafted peace plan stirs cautious optimism—but Kyiv remains wary of mounting international pressure to compromise.
The search for a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine entered a pivotal phase this week, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US officials moved in parallel efforts across Europe and Russia. Zelenskyy, speaking in Paris on Monday, reiterated Ukraine’s steadfast priorities: sovereignty, territorial integrity, and meaningful security guarantees. His remarks came just a day before a high-stakes meeting in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Zelenskyy dismissed Kremlin claims of recent battlefield gains as exaggerated, underscoring Ukraine’s resistance to any peace deal that rewards Russian aggression. The Ukrainian president expressed measured optimism about the newly revised peace proposal, describing it as “looking better” after ongoing adjustments between Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington. He also hinted at an upcoming conversation with US President Donald Trump, depending on the outcome of Witkoff’s Moscow visit.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, struck a more cautious tone, warning that the meeting in Moscow could once again shift diplomatic pressure onto Ukraine rather than confronting the aggressor. “To have peace, we mustn’t lose sight of who started and is continuing this war—Russia,” Kallas said, condemning daily attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
From Washington, the Biden administration’s successor remained upbeat. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described recent talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Florida as “very good,” and expressed hope that Witkoff’s visit to Russia could help advance negotiations. Yet Witkoff’s role has come under renewed scrutiny, especially after reports emerged that he had previously advised Putin’s foreign affairs team on how to better appeal to Trump.
Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov confirmed progress was made in Florida, though he acknowledged that some “critical issues” remained unresolved. Kyiv continues to resist calls—subtly backed by elements of the US leadership—to cede territory still under Ukrainian control, fearing any such concession would validate Moscow’s expansionist aims.
Meanwhile, the war’s human toll remains brutally present. On Monday, a Russian missile strike on the eastern-central city of Dnipro killed four civilians and injured 40 others, according to Ukrainian authorities. Eleven of the wounded remain in serious condition. Emergency services reported damage to businesses, office buildings, and dozens of vehicles.
As the conflict reaches day 1,378, the path to peace remains fraught. Behind every handshake and diplomatic mission lies the enduring question: can a just peace be brokered without forcing Ukraine to surrender the very principles it has fought to defend?
(Associated Medias) – all rights reserved