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The United States has wrapped up diplomatic talks in Paris alongside European and Ukrainian officials as part of an effort to secure a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff recently held his third round of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where discussions centered on a potential peace deal involving the fate of five Ukrainian regions: Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. These territories—some of which are fully and others partially occupied by Russian forces—have been at the core of Russia’s demands, with Witkoff indicating that Russia would be open to a “permanent peace” if the US supported its claims over these areas. Ukraine pushed back strongly to these remarks, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accusing Witkoff of “spreading Russian narratives,” either consciously or unconsciously, and warning that any suggestion of ceding territory undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and emboldens aggression. He also reiterated his stance that Ukraine will never recognize Russia’s control over the occupied regions.
What’s going on now: The US participated in high-level diplomatic talks in Paris this week that brought together US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, and senior officials from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ukraine. Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, the gathering was the first of its kind under President Trump’s current administration to include European allies directly in ceasefire discussions. Macron commented on the importance of coordinated diplomacy, calling the day “a very important occasion for convergence” and stating, “Everyone wants to get peace – a robust and sustainable peace. The question is about phasing.”
During the talks, Ukraine’s delegation, led by President Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak, pushed for guarantees that any ceasefire deal would not compromise the country’s sovereignty. Yermak said on social media, “We exchanged views on the next steps toward achieving a just and lasting peace, including the implementation of a full ceasefire, the involvement of a multinational military contingent, and the development of an effective security architecture for Ukraine.” Ukrainian officials also made it clear they are wary of proposals that seem to accommodate Russia’s territorial claims, especially following comments from Steve Witkoff.
US officials described the meetings as “positive and constructive,” according to a State Department statement, which noted that Secretary Rubio reiterated President Trump’s intent: “The United States wants this war to end, and has now presented to all parties the outlines of a durable and lasting peace.”
Despite all of this, the talks ended without a firm agreement, revealing the ongoing divisions—particularly around Russian-occupied territories. Further discussions are set to take place in London next week.
