Talk of peace in Ukraine is heating up this week as the US pushes a Trump-backed deal and European leaders call for fresh talks with Russia 🕊️.
This week, former President Trump's envoys – special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner – dialed up Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a two-hour call. Their message? Ukraine needs to give up parts of the Donbas region to end the war, with a yes or no by Christmas 🎄.
According to Axios, Zelenskyy hasn't signed off yet. He's told US mediators he needs time to chat with European allies. Earlier on Monday, he met British PM Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London, where they stressed the need for a 'just and lasting peace.' 🤝
Meanwhile, across Europe, former NATO chief and now Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg reminded everyone that Russia remains a neighbor. Speaking with Finnish President Alexander Stubb at a forum in Helsinki, he said keeping channels open is key, and that future talks must focus on arms control and security guarantees 🔒.
Stubb chimed in that the chance for peace is 'closer than ever' since the conflict started, but warned the toughest issues – land swaps and formal security promises – are still on the table. A 20-point blueprint covering security and reconstruction is in the works, but the big questions are far from settled 💡.
With the US aiming for a deal by Christmas and Europe pushing for a broader dialogue, the coming weeks could be decisive. Stay tuned as these multi-front negotiations unfold on the world stage 🌍.
Reference(s):
Trump pushes peace plan while Norwegian minister urges talks
cgtn.com
