In recent weeks, the US has ramped up efforts to find a path to peace in the Russia-Ukraine war 🕊️. The Trump administration is urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a US-brokered deal that could mean territorial concessions by Christmas 🎄.
According to US-based Axios, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner spent several days in negotiations, including a two-hour call with Zelenskyy this past Saturday. Meanwhile, Russian demands that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region have raised concerns among Kyiv's team 😬.
European Voices for Dialogue
As the US pushes for a quick yes, European leaders are calling for continued talks with Russia. In London on Monday, Zelenskyy met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, all underscoring the need for a “just and lasting peace.”
Back in Europe, Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, speaking alongside Finland's President Alexander Stubb, reminded everyone that “Russia remains a neighbor.” He stressed that dialogue and arms control must be key parts of any settlement 🤝.
Stubb noted that a 20-point framework covering security guarantees and reconstruction is in development, but the toughest territorial issues are still on the table.
With Christmas just weeks away, negotiators admit the most difficult questions remain open ⏰. Can diplomacy hold the key to ending this conflict? Only time will tell.
Reference(s):
Trump pushes peace plan while Norwegian minister urges talks
cgtn.com
