Zelenskyy Reports Progress in US Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his recent discussions with United States representatives regarding a peace plan for Ukraine have been constructive, yet challenging. This statement comes as he prepares for upcoming meetings with European leaders in a bid to advance peace negotiations.

On Saturday, President Zelenskyy held discussions with Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to meet with key European figures, including UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German politician Friedrich Merz in London on Monday.

In his evening video address, Zelenskyy remarked, "The American representatives are familiar with the fundamental Ukrainian positions. The dialogue was constructive, albeit not simple."

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reached out to Zelenskyy via phone on Sunday, reaffirming Italy's support for Ukraine amidst what she described as a new wave of indiscriminate Russian attacks targeting civilians. Her office indicated that Italy would be sending emergency supplies to bolster Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including generators from Italian companies to be dispatched in the upcoming weeks.

In a parallel development, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to meet with her American counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington on Monday. This visit marks her first trip to the US capital since taking on her role in September. The UK Foreign Office highlighted that both nations will reaffirm their commitment to achieving a peace agreement in Ukraine, noting support for Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to secure a fair and enduring resolution.

The Kremlin has praised Trump’s latest national security strategy as a positive shift that aligns closely with Russian perspectives. This comes following the release of a White House document that criticises the European Union and expresses concerns about Europe facing a potential "civilisational erasure." US officials have claimed they are nearing a peace agreement, although there is little indication that either Ukraine or Russia is prepared to endorse the framework developed by Trump’s negotiating team.

In a separate statement, Donald Trump Jr. voiced skepticism about the ongoing conflict, suggesting that his father, the US president, might withdraw from the situation in Ukraine. Speaking at a Middle East conference, he described the situation in Ukraine as one where the wealthy elite have fled, leaving the less affluent to bear the brunt of the conflict.

On the ground, the violence continues, with Russian missile, drone, and shelling attacks resulting in multiple casualties over the weekend. Reports indicate that at least four individuals have died due to these assaults, with three fatalities and ten injuries reported in the Kharkiv region alone. Additionally, a man was killed in a drone attack in the Chernihiv area, while a combined missile and drone strike in Kremenchuk caused significant disruptions to power and water services.