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The diplomatic endeavor to conclude the war in Ukraine might be facing a "decisive week," the European Union's lead foreign affairs official has observed, as a delegate for former President Donald Trump gears up to meet Vladimir Putin following recent discussions with Ukrainian leaders.

Envoy Amid Controversial Ties with Russia Set for Talks

Steve Witkoff, the businessman now serving as envoy, is set to confer with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, according to. Witkoff was recently revealed for advising Russian representatives on methods to secure Trump's favor.

"We are entering a decisive week for peace efforts," stated the EU's foreign policy chief, but emphasizing it was "evident that Russia does not want peace."

Zelenskyy's European Tour for Support

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy undertook a mission to mobilize support from Ukraine's European partners. He conferred with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to discuss "the foundations of a fair and lasting peace," as stated by.

The Ukrainian leader is additionally scheduled to make his initial diplomatic trip to Ireland on Tuesday. Simultaneously, his defense chief, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for meetings with his EU equivalents.

Frustration over US-Led Negotiations

The EU official shared frustration that Europeans were not included in weekend talks held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she characterized as "challenging yet fruitful." In response to a question about having faith in the US to find a positive outcome for Ukraine, she said, "Ukraine's representatives are there alone. If they would be together with the Europeans, they would undoubtedly be far more powerful."

Writing on social media, Zelenskyy noted the US talks had been "highly productive" but that there were "several difficult issues that remain to be resolved."

Anxiety over US Proposals

European leaders were previously alarmed by a US plan that emerged last month, which was weighted in Russia's favor. Its reported terms included ceding Moscow territories in eastern Ukraine it did not yet control, forcing Kyiv to cap the size of its army, and renouncing its ambition to join NATO. While that initial plan has reportedly been scaled back, Witkoff's forthcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth meeting with Putin—is likely to heighten anxiety in Kyiv and throughout European capitals.

Witkoff is due to fly to Russia on Monday, alongside Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to advance discussions. Kushner previously played an key role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin did not specify whether Kushner would also be present at the meeting with Putin.

Weekend Talks and Political Pressure

The two trusted Trump representatives participated in the weekend discussions between senior Ukrainian and US delegates, which occurred at a private golf club developed by Witkoff's company.

After the session, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism for an end to the war. "More work to be done. This is complex," Rubio stated. "There are a lot of elements, and clearly there's another party involved here... that will have to be a part of the process."

Amid the international challenges, President Zelenskyy is facing internal strain following the sudden resignation of his chief of staff and closest adviser, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in response to a widening corruption investigation that has become the biggest crisis of Zelenskyy's time in office.