Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conducted a significant meeting with U.S. officials on December 25, 2025, discussing potential peace strategies amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The talks, which lasted over four hours, included key figures such as U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and former President Donald Trump‘s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The discussions come at a critical time as negotiators work on a framework to end the conflict that has persisted since 2022. Zelenskyy indicated that the dialogue was productive, stating, “We have some new ideas on how to bring about real peace, and this concerns formats, meetings, and, of course, timing.” He highlighted that some documents relevant to the negotiations are nearing completion.
Earlier in the week, Zelenskyy had been in Warsaw, Poland, where he urged European leaders to approve a €210 billion “reparations loan” to support Ukraine, potentially backed by frozen Russian assets. The European Union leaders, however, could not reach a consensus on this matter, ultimately deciding on a €90 billion loan to Ukraine financed by the EU budget.
The proposed peace framework has been streamlined from a comprehensive 28-point plan to a more focused 20-point outline. This plan emphasizes security guarantees for Ukraine and involves the withdrawal of troops from certain regions, as detailed by CNN. A Kremlin spokesperson confirmed that Russia is examining the materials related to this proposal.
Despite the ongoing discussions, the situation remains precarious. Just days before the Christmas talks, Russia launched an aerial attack on Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and injuries to 17 others. Zelenskyy expressed concern over the possibility of further attacks during the holiday period, stating, “We understand that precisely on these days they may… carry out massive strikes on Christmas.”
Zelenskyy’s proactive engagement with U.S. representatives reflects his determination to secure peace and stability for Ukraine. His government continues to navigate a complex international landscape as it seeks to bolster its defenses and negotiate a viable path forward amid external threats.