Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has described recent talks with US envoys as “very constructive,” signaling progress toward a potential peace framework with Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow continues its heavy bombardment, raising concerns among Ukraine’s allies in Europe.

Zelensky spoke with Donald Trump’s peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the US president’s son-in-law. Ukrainian officials joined the call from Miami, where negotiations are entering a third day.

The discussions focused on ensuring Russia abides by any deal that ends the war and guarantees Ukraine’s security. Zelensky emphasized his determination to continue working with the US to achieve lasting peace.

“Ukraine is determined to keep working in good faith with the American side to genuinely achieve peace,” he said 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.”

Russian attacks continue

Despite ongoing talks, Russia launched 653 drones and 51 missiles on Friday night, according to Ukrainian authorities. One strike destroyed a railway hub in Fastiv, southwest of Kyiv, while energy facilities in eight regions were damaged, causing widespread blackouts.

Russia claimed it targeted military-industrial sites, as well as energy and port infrastructure. Ukrainian and US negotiators have urged Moscow to demonstrate a “serious commitment to long-term peace” after talks in Moscow failed to produce a breakthrough.

International reactions and support

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed full solidarity with Ukraine, pledging to work with partners to de-escalate tensions and impose a ceasefire. Macron will join Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London for talks on Ukraine’s post-war security.

Two weeks earlier, the leaders met virtually to discuss a European peacekeeping force that could be deployed in case of a ceasefire. Sir Keir emphasized that Ukraine must determine its own future, with the coalition force playing a crucial role in maintaining security. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected the idea, declaring any deployed troops would be “legitimate targets.”

The negotiations in Florida, led by US and Ukrainian officials, are aimed at convincing Kyiv to accept a US-backed peace plan. Steve Witkoff described two days of discussions with Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s national security council secretary, as “constructive.”

According to their joint statement, they agreed on a framework for security arrangements and discussed deterrence capabilities necessary to sustain lasting peace. However, the success of any deal depends on Russia taking “steps towards de-escalation and cessation of killing.”