A crucial meeting between Russia’s president and Donald Trump’s special representative is generating anxiety among Ukraine’s supporters about potential pressure for territorial concessions. Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet Tuesday with Steve Witkoff, the American real estate developer turned diplomatic envoy, following weekend discussions with Ukrainian officials.
The EU’s top diplomat expressed fear that negotiating pressure will fall primarily on Ukraine as the victim rather than on Russia as the aggressor. Kaja Kallas warned against losing focus on fundamental facts: Russia started the war, continues the fighting, and deliberately targets civilian populations and infrastructure to maximize damage.
A previously leaked American peace proposal heavily tilted toward Russian interests, alarming European capitals. That plan would have granted Moscow control over eastern Ukrainian territories it had not conquered, while forcing Ukraine to cap its military size and abandon NATO membership goals. Although the plan has since been revised, European allies remain concerned about any framework that might legitimize forced border changes.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized during his Paris visit that Russia must not perceive any outcome as a reward for its invasion. He stressed the importance of ensuring peace becomes truly durable while ending the war as quickly as possible. His comments came after hours of intensive discussions with Macron focusing on negotiation strategies and security arrangements.
The Ukrainian leader faces domestic pressures alongside international challenges. His closest adviser and chief of staff recently resigned amid a widening anti-corruption investigation that represents the most serious scandal of Zelenskyy’s presidency. Despite these difficulties, he continues pushing diplomatic efforts, with planned visits to Ireland and ongoing consultations with European defense ministers.