Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed cautious optimism following a nearly one-hour call with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Thursday, aimed at advancing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky described the discussions as productive, stating that they produced “new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and timing on how to bring real peace closer.”

He also confirmed plans for a follow-up meeting with former President Donald Trump in the near future, signaling ongoing US involvement in mediation efforts.

Updated 20-Point Peace Plan

Earlier this week, Zelensky revealed details of an updated 20-point peace plan, jointly developed by US and Ukrainian envoys in Florida. The plan updates an earlier draft prepared by Witkoff, which was criticized as favoring Russia’s maximalist pre-invasion demands.

The revised proposal outlines potential withdrawals of Ukrainian troops from eastern regions, with demilitarized zones replacing military presence, while security guarantees would be provided by the US, NATO, and European allies to ensure coordinated responses if Russia breaches the agreement in the future.

On the contentious issue of the Donetsk industrial region, Zelensky suggested the creation of a free economic zone as a possible compromise. He emphasized that any areas vacated by Ukrainian troops must still be policed by Ukraine, maintaining sovereignty over key territories.

Currently, Russia controls approximately 75% of Donetsk and 99% of Luhansk, collectively known as Donbas. Zelensky has resisted pressure from Trump and US mediators to cede all of Donbas to Russia, instead demanding strong security guarantees in any settlement.

Russian Response

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia is reviewing the proposals submitted by the US envoy Kirill Dmitriev. “We are examining this material, and depending on the decisions made by the head of state, we will continue our communication with the Americans,” he said.

Ongoing Conflict on the Ground

While diplomatic efforts continue, fighting persists in eastern and southern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces reported striking the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region with cruise missiles, targeting a key fuel supply for Russian military operations in occupied eastern Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry announced its capture of Sviato-Pokrovske in Donetsk, and Ukrainian troops withdrew from the embattled town of Siversk earlier this week. The fall of these areas brings Russian forces closer to remaining Ukrainian strongholds in Sloviansk and Kramatorsk within Donetsk.

Zelensky’s Diplomatic Push

Despite mounting pressure, Zelensky continues to push for a negotiated settlement that balances territorial integrity with robust international security guarantees. He stressed that work remains on “sensitive issues,” but he believes coordinated efforts with the American team will help implement a viable peace plan.

Zelensky’s engagement with US envoys and Trump’s team marks the latest chapter in ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.