Zelenskyy Discusses Mechanisms to Enforce Peace with Trump's Envoys Amid European Warnings Against Washington's Plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he had a "very constructive" phone call with US Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Discussions centered on how to ensure Russia adheres to any potential peace agreement, emphasizing his determination to continue working with the US.

These talks, which included Ukrainian officials participating remotely from Miami (Florida) for the third day, coincided with the continuation of widespread Russian shelling across Ukraine:

• Russian Strikes: Ukraine was targeted by 653 drones and 51 missiles overnight Friday. Zelenskyy confirmed that the primary targets were energy facilities, leaving thousands of homes without heat, and described Russia's goal as "inflicting suffering on millions of Ukrainians."

• Negotiators' Stance: Negotiators in Miami confirmed that real progress toward peace depends on Russia's willingness to show serious commitment, including de-escalation and stopping the killing. The parties agreed on a framework for security arrangements.

European Warnings and Concerns over "Rewarding Aggression":

• EU Opposition: The European Union, which was not invited to the talks, warned again on Saturday that Washington's plan to end the war could favor Vladimir Putin.

• Kallas' Statement: EU Foreign Policy Representative Kaja Kallas stated that "constraining and narrowing Ukraine will not secure us lasting peace," cautioning that aggression will recur if rewarded.

• Parallel Efforts: French President Macron announced he would meet Zelenskyy, the British PM, and the German Chancellor on Monday in London to discuss the US-mediated negotiations, stressing the need to secure security guarantees for Ukraine for a robust peace.

The Issue of Frozen Russian Assets:

• Russian Warning: Russian Ambassador to Germany, Sergey Nechayev, warned that the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets (around 90 billion euros) to fund Ukraine would have "far-reaching consequences," calling the process "theft" that would destroy the EU's business reputation.

• EU Position: EU leaders are committed to continuing support for Kyiv and are considering funding a loan to Ukraine to be repaid later from Russian compensation.