Paris, France – European and Ukrainian officials gathered in Paris for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday, seeking to re-engage in US efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine through direct negotiations with Moscow.
The meetings included discussions between Ukrainian and US officials and their British, French, and German counterparts, which were described as an “excellent exchange” by a source at France’s Elysée Palace. The State Department readout reported that a US-drafted peace plan was well-received during the talks.
Following the discussions, Rubio reached out to Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov to convey the same peace plan outlined during the meetings in Paris. This move was seen as a step towards presenting all parties involved with the American vision for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
Amidst echoes of support for Trump’s efforts to swiftly end the conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Witkoff for allegedly promoting Russian narratives. Despite these tensions, the talks ended with plans for more meetings in London next week in a similar format, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
While the US administration aims to bring an end to the war, Russia has continued its military strikes on Ukraine, complicating the path to achieving a comprehensive ceasefire. Witkoff has highlighted the crucial role of key Ukrainian territories in any potential peace deal, leading to concerns among some Ukrainian officials regarding the direction of the negotiations.
The discussions in Paris reflect a broader effort to navigate complex diplomatic challenges, with both Ukraine and its allies seeking to influence US policy towards the conflict. As multiple parties engage in dialogue to address the ongoing crisis, the road to a lasting peace in Ukraine remains uncertain amid conflicting interests and perspectives.