Zelensky had a constructive conversation on Thursday with a U.S. delegation that included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The meeting was part of a renewed effort to end the war with Russia and secure Ukraine’s future.
Security Guarantees
Zelensky said the discussion focused on security guarantees, which he described as “among the most critical elements for all subsequent steps.” He reminded everyone of the “negative experience of the Budapest Memorandum,” which failed to provide firm enough security guarantees in 1994 to stave off a Russian invasion years later. “That is why it is essential that this document on security guarantees provides concrete answers to what concerns Ukrainians the most: what actions partners will take if Russia decides to launch its aggression again,” Zelensky said Thursday in a statement.
He added that “It was agreed that the teams will work actively to ensure that, in the near future, there will be a clear understanding of the security guarantees.”
U.S. Engagement and Appreciation
Zelensky thanked the U.S. for its “active engagement,” noting it was “not only in working to end the war, but also in ensuring Ukraine’s security and preventing a new Russian invasion.” He said the approach “reflects the seriousness of America’s intentions and its clear focus on achieving outcomes.”
The discussion also included top U.S. generals and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Peace Proposal and Reconstruction Discussions
Zelensky is working on a revised peace proposal that he plans to deliver to the U.S. soon. He said Wednesday he held a “productive” conversation on post-war reconstruction and economic development with a U.S. team that included Kushner, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.
Trump’s Pressure and Negotiations
The talks come as President Trump has intensified pressure on the Ukrainian president to accept a U.S.-authored plan to end the war. An initial version of the plan heavily favored Moscow’s demands, but a revised version-hammered out in talks between American and Ukrainian negotiators-was rejected by Russian President Vladimir Putin in talks last week.
Trump’s latest pressure campaign remains focused on Zelensky, who has doubled down on his refusal to cede Ukrainian territory as part of a deal.
European Concerns
Zelensky has huddled with European leaders in recent days to edit a proposal drafted by Trump’s top envoys following the meeting with Putin in Moscow. European leaders have privately worried that the U.S. would “betray” Ukraine in the peace negotiations, according to leaked conversations reported by German outlet Spiegel.
Key Takeaways
- Zelensky’s meeting emphasized the need for concrete security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.
- The U.S. delegation, including Rubio, Hegseth, Witkoff, and Kushner, agreed to work toward a clear understanding of those guarantees.
- Trump’s pressure on Ukraine persists, while European leaders voice concerns about potential U.S. betrayal.
The conversation underscores the complex interplay of diplomatic efforts, security guarantees, and political pressures that shape the ongoing conflict and the pursuit of a lasting peace.
