KYIV: Ukraine and the United States are working to encourage a new round of peace negotiations with Russia as diplomatic contacts continue alongside ongoing military operations, according to a report by the Kyiv Independent.
The report said officials in Kyiv and Washington believe recent developments on the battlefield, including Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure, could increase pressure on Moscow to return to negotiations. A US official cited by the publication said the White House believes Russian President Vladimir Putin may be more open to discussing at least a partial ceasefire covering aerial attacks.
Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly held talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. According to a source familiar with the discussions, Washington is reviewing its negotiating framework before coordinating proposals with Kyiv ahead of any future presentation to Russia.
High-level meetings expected
The report said Witkoff and Kushner are expected to travel to Moscow in late July or early August for further discussions with Russian officials.
Meanwhile, Zelensky is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington next week, where the leaders are expected to discuss developments in the conflict and possible diplomatic initiatives. Zelensky also said a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia could take place as early as the autumn if conditions permit.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains ready to introduce new ideas that could help revive peace negotiations when the appropriate opportunity arises.
Partial ceasefire under consideration
The Kremlin said on Friday that any new proposals from Washington would need to be acceptable to Russia. Moscow has continued to press for changes to US policy on military support for Ukraine and has reiterated positions that Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.
According to the Kyiv Independent, officials from both Ukraine and the United States increasingly view a limited ceasefire, particularly covering aerial attacks, as a more realistic near-term objective than a comprehensive peace agreement.
However, Ukrainian officials reportedly believe that despite renewed diplomatic efforts, Russia is unlikely to agree to a complete end to the conflict in the immediate future, making incremental confidence-building measures a more practical path toward reducing hostilities.
