Zelenskyy Sends Delegation to US to Advance Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and head of the Ukrainian delegation, has departed for the United States.
In a statement on November 29, Zelenskyy said the mission aims to swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war.
“Rustem delivered a report today, and the task is clear: to work quickly and constructively with the United States,” Zelenskyy said.
“We expect that the results of the meetings in Geneva will now be hammered out in the United States.”
The president added that he looks forward to the delegation’s report following its work this Sunday, underscoring Ukraine’s commitment to a dignified peace.
“Ukraine is working for a dignified peace. Glory to Ukraine!” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy Warns Ukraine Could Lose US Backing
On November 21, Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine could jeopardize its partnership with the United States if it rejects the new White House plan intended to bring an end to the war with Russia.
In a national address, Zelensky cautioned that Ukraine may soon be forced to choose between preserving its dignity and risking the loss of a key ally, adding that the current moment is one of the most difficult in the country’s history.
The US proposal, widely leaked in recent days, contains terms Ukraine has repeatedly dismissed, such as relinquishing control of territory in the east, making deep cuts to its military, and abandoning its aspiration to join NATO.
“We’re not making loud statements,” he said.
“We’ll be calmly working with America and all the partners, offering alternatives.”
Zelensky said he received assurances of continued support during a phone call with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Putin Signals Peace Talks Could Proceed if Ukraine Cedes Territory
During a working visit to Kyrgyzstan on November 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that the draft peace plan outlined in recent discussions between the United States and Ukraine could serve as the basis for future negotiations to end the ongoing conflict.
However, he stressed that any agreement would require Ukraine to relinquish control over certain territories.
“If Ukrainian troops leave the territories they occupy, then we will stop fighting,” Putin said.
“If they don’t, we will achieve our aims militarily.”
He added that, in his view, Ukraine’s leadership lacks legitimacy, a factor he claims makes a binding pact with Kyiv impossible without broader international recognition.
Putin also confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witkoff was scheduled to travel to Russia.
He dismissed claims that Witkoff displayed bias toward Moscow during previous discussions.