Zelensky Hails 'Long, Substantive' Call With Kushner and Witkoff as Peace Talks Press On Amid Ongoing Attacks

Zelensky Praises Detailed Call With Kushner And Witkoff

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday publicly praised a "long and substantive" phone call with former White House adviser Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff as negotiations to end the war with Russia continued.

"I am grateful for a very focused, constructive discussion," Zelensky wrote on X. "We covered many aspects and went through key points that could ensure an end to the bloodshed and eliminate the threat of a new Russian full-scale invasion, as well as the risk of Russia failing to honor its promises, as has happened repeatedly in the past."

Zelensky said his administration will "keep working in good faith with the American side to genuinely achieve peace," thanking former President Trump for what he described as an intensive negotiating approach. He emphasized that not everything can be resolved by phone and urged close work between teams to develop practical, implementable measures.

Florida Meetings And Joint Statement

The call followed meetings in Florida on Friday, where Kushner and Witkoff met Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and negotiator Andriy Hnatov. In a joint statement, the four said further progress depends on "Russia's readiness to show serious commitment to long-term peace, including steps toward de-escalation and cessation of killings."

Russia's Response And The U.S. Plan

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov described the recent talks as "constructive and substantive," saying Moscow agreed with some proposals and rejected others. President Vladimir Putin called the five-hour negotiations "necessary" and "useful," noting the original 28-point plan had been reduced to 27 points and reorganized into four packages, though he did not specify which elements Russia would accept.

The initial U.S.-backed proposal drew criticism from European leaders and some U.S. lawmakers for suggesting that Ukraine cede parts of the Donbas and reduce certain military capabilities — provisions Ukrainian leaders have pushed back against.

Violence Continues Amid Diplomacy

Despite the diplomatic efforts, fighting continued. Ukrainian reports said Russia fired two ballistic missiles and launched roughly 138 drones between Wednesday and Thursday, underscoring the urgent need — and fragility — of any negotiated agreement.

Context: Zelensky and Ukrainian negotiators stressed that any deal must be "workable" and geared toward sustainable peace, security, and reconstruction. The parties say progress hinges on verifiable steps by Russia to de-escalate and stop attacks.

Reporting note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.