Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, met in an important session in Ireland with Steven Witkoff, the special representative of the former President of the United States, and Jared Kushner. This meeting followed recent discussions between the two American officials and Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, in Moscow. Topics discussed included prisoner exchanges and increasing European involvement in the peace negotiations regarding Ukraine.
Prisoner Exchanges and the Role of Europe
Zelensky emphasized the importance of prisoner exchanges during this meeting, announcing three key outcomes, stating: "The first outcome is a humanitarian one – prisoners will be released, and we hope for the largest prisoner exchange since the beginning of the war." He also stressed the need for a more active role for European representatives in the diplomatic process, clarifying that Ukraine wants Europe to have an equal standing at the negotiating table.
Zelensky added: "The second outcome – we are actively inviting European representatives to engage more in diplomacy so they can have an equal standing at the negotiating table. Ukraine always defends the interests of all of Europe." These remarks reflect Ukraine's determination to closely cooperate with European countries towards sustainable peace in the region.
Multilateral Talks and Commitment to Diplomacy
Zelensky also referred to plans for holding more multilateral meetings and emphasized Kyiv's commitment to continuing diplomatic efforts. He said: "The third outcome – we are also preparing for more multilateral meetings. Active diplomacy will continue."
This meeting in Ireland followed discussions between Witkoff, Kushner, and Putin in the Kremlin, where the U.S. representatives reviewed the latest developments in the negotiations. The talks in Moscow came after two days of trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi, which ended without reaching a final agreement, but some progress was noted on certain issues, including prisoner exchanges.
Witkoff expressed optimism about the talks at Vnukovo Airport before leaving Moscow and confirmed that the trilateral negotiations had resumed. He said: "I think progress has been made. We have scheduled a new meeting." These remarks indicate the ongoing efforts of the United States to advance negotiations aimed at achieving a peace agreement.
Kushner described the Moscow discussions as comprehensive and added that these negotiations could help shape the next round of multilateral talks. He said: "Overall, we had very comprehensive and detailed discussions on all topics, which I hope will assist in the next round of multilateral negotiations."
According to a statement issued by the Kremlin, Putin thanked the U.S. representatives for their efforts and asked them to convey his appreciation to Trump for facilitating contacts with the Ukrainian side. He also emphasized progress in humanitarian cooperation, particularly regarding the exchange of detainees.
During this meeting, Witkoff told Putin that Trump is keen on ending the conflicts quickly. He said: "President Trump, of course, supports what we are sharing with you today. He believes and has asked us to convey to you that ending these conflicts quickly is very important."
However, significant disagreements remain regarding territorial arrangements and future security guarantees. Putin emphasized during the Kremlin negotiations that Moscow opposes the deployment of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil after a potential peace agreement. He said: "They are doing everything they can to engage in negotiations, but as our President has said, they must decide whether they want peace or to continue the war."
In closing his message, Zelensky thanked the U.S. representatives for their engagements and expressed gratitude to Ireland for hosting these negotiations as well as for organizing the European Political Community summit. He said: "I am grateful to all those who support Ukraine. I thank Steven and Jared for their intensive communications. I appreciate Ireland for the excellent organization of the European Political Community summit and for hosting today's negotiations. Glory to Ukraine!"
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