Peace Talks Progress: Ukraine and Russia Edge Closer to a Deal

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shared some hopeful news. He said that talks to end the long-standing war with Russia are making real progress. These discussions have been happening with the help of the United States and other European countries. Negotiators from Ukraine, led by Rustem Umerov, have been meeting with U. S. officials, including in Florida. At the same time, Russia's negotiator Kirill Dmitriev has also been talking with U. S. representatives. Both sides have now gone back to their countries to report on what they've discussed. Zelenskiy mentioned that a 20-point plan, proposed by the U. S. , has been on the table for weeks. This plan had some initial criticism for being too favorable to Russia. However, Zelenskiy said that the plan is now in a better shape, even if it's not perfect.The talks also cover security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future attacks and a plan for Ukraine's economic recovery. Zelenskiy noted that while the basic framework is ready, there are still some issues that need to be addressed. He believes that both Ukraine and Russia have areas they are not yet prepared to discuss. The U. S. team has been led by President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. In a later address, Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of getting a clear response from Russia. He said that continued pressure on Russia, through sanctions and other means, is crucial to persuade them to focus on peace rather than aggression. Zelenskiy also highlighted that efforts to reduce Russia's oil revenue and impose strong global sanctions have already made a difference. These steps have helped to limit the funds available for Russia's war efforts.