Zelensky to Meet Witkoff and Kushner on Trump’s Peace Push

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with real estate executive and political donor Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, as part of renewed discussions surrounding Trump’s proposed peace initiative for the Ukraine war. The meeting signals growing behind-the-scenes diplomatic activity as global leaders explore alternative pathways to ending a conflict that has reshaped European security and international politics.

While no formal negotiations have been announced, the meeting reflects increased engagement by figures close to Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he could bring the war to an end through direct diplomacy if returned to power.

Trump’s Peace Push Gains Attention

Donald Trump has made ending the Ukraine war a central talking point in his foreign policy narrative. He has argued that prolonged conflict benefits no one and has emphasized his belief in personal diplomacy as a tool to reach a settlement.

The involvement of individuals like Witkoff and Kushner—both trusted figures within Trump’s inner circle—suggests that informal channels are being explored to understand Ukraine’s position and gauge openness to potential frameworks for peace.

Although Trump currently holds no official office, his influence within U.S. political circles remains significant, particularly as global leaders prepare for possible shifts in American foreign policy.

Zelensky’s Calculated Engagement

President Zelensky’s decision to meet with Trump-affiliated figures highlights Ukraine’s pragmatic approach to diplomacy. With the war placing immense pressure on Ukraine’s economy, infrastructure, and population, Kyiv continues to engage with all credible international stakeholders.

Zelensky has consistently stated that any peace process must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meeting with Witkoff and Kushner does not indicate a policy shift, but rather a willingness to listen and communicate Ukraine’s red lines directly.

Such engagement allows Ukraine to remain proactive rather than reactive as political dynamics evolve in Washington.

Who Are Witkoff and Kushner?

Steve Witkoff is a prominent real estate developer and longtime Trump ally with business and diplomatic connections. Jared Kushner played a key role in Trump’s previous administration, particularly in Middle East diplomacy, where he was instrumental in negotiating the Abraham Accords.

Their participation underscores Trump’s preference for non-traditional diplomacy, relying on trusted intermediaries rather than established bureaucratic channels.

Critics argue this approach lacks transparency, while supporters claim it allows for faster and more flexible dialogue.

Mixed Reactions in Washington and Europe

The announcement of the meeting has sparked mixed reactions among U.S. lawmakers and European allies. Some view it as an unofficial initiative that could complicate coordinated Western policy toward Ukraine.

Others see value in exploring every possible avenue for de-escalation, especially as the conflict shows no clear military resolution. With fatigue growing among donor nations, discussions about diplomacy—formal or informal—are becoming increasingly prominent.

European leaders have emphasized that any peace initiative must include Ukraine at the center and avoid imposing external solutions.

The Challenges of a Peace Framework

Achieving peace in Ukraine remains extraordinarily complex. Key issues include territorial control, security guarantees, reconstruction funding, and accountability for war-related crimes.

Zelensky has previously rejected proposals that would freeze the conflict or legitimize territorial losses. Any Trump-backed peace push would need to address these realities to be taken seriously by Kyiv.

Analysts caution that peace initiatives driven by political timelines rather than ground realities risk undermining trust and prolonging instability.

Strategic Timing of the Meeting

The timing of Zelensky’s meeting with Witkoff and Kushner is notable. As global attention shifts and geopolitical priorities evolve, Ukraine is working to ensure continued international engagement.

By engaging with Trump-linked figures early, Kyiv positions itself to influence potential future policy rather than being sidelined by it.

This strategy reflects Ukraine’s broader diplomatic approach: engaging allies, skeptics, and potential power brokers alike.

What Comes Next?

While no immediate outcomes are expected from the meeting, it could serve as a foundation for further dialogue. Whether Trump’s peace push gains momentum will depend on political developments in the United States and the willingness of all parties to move beyond entrenched positions.

For now, the meeting represents diplomacy in motion—informal, cautious, and shaped by uncertainty.

Conclusion

Zelensky’s planned meeting with Witkoff and Kushner highlights the evolving nature of international diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine war. As Trump’s peace push draws attention, Ukraine is choosing engagement over isolation, ensuring its voice remains central to any future discussions.

While the path to peace remains unclear, such interactions reflect a recognition that dialogue—formal or informal—continues to play a critical role in shaping the conflict’s eventual outcome.