Doomsday Clock Ticks On as US Envoys Bring Revised Ukraine Peace Proposals to Kyiv
The doomsday clock ticks on with no breakthroughs announced after US envoys delivered revised proposals to Kyiv, even as both sides indicated the war is likely to continue into winter.
US Envoys Deliver Revised Peace Proposals in Kyiv
Washington's envoys brought new, "more effective" proposals on ending the war with Russia to Kyiv, a senior Ukrainian presidential official told AFP. [1] The senior Ukrainian official told AFP that the proposals are not the same as before and are now more effective, with talks still ongoing as the most important aspect. [1] While both Ukrainian President Zelensky and the US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner gave upbeat assessments of the talks, neither announced any breakthroughs on ending the conflict. [1] The envoys traveled to Kyiv a day after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. [1]
Prior Three-Hour Meeting With Putin in Moscow
The envoys met Putin for over three hours on Saturday. [2] The Kremlin described the talks as very beneficial and noted discussion of economic issues and potential large joint projects in addition to Ukraine. [2] A Kremlin aide said the negotiations took place at the right time and were very beneficial for both sides, with talks going further than just an exchange of views on resolving the Ukraine crisis. [2] The Kremlin said the Americans had put forward a number of ideas on possible routes to a settlement. [2] Moscow occupies large areas of eastern and southern Ukraine and the Kremlin told the Americans on Saturday it was feeling confident it would advance more. [1] Moscow insists on recognition of all claimed territories as Russian. [1] Putin has repeatedly said Russia intends to seize the rest of eastern Ukraine. [1]
Zelensky's Assessment and Call for Leader-Level Talks
Ukrainian President Zelensky gave an upbeat assessment of the Kyiv talks but said the conflict appears likely to continue into winter, requiring European support. [1] Zelensky said Ukraine would hold talks with the US, France and Germany. [1] He repeated his call that only a meeting between the two leaders could solve territorial issues. [1] Zelensky said the main thing is to achieve peace for Ukraine, a dignified, reliable, and lasting peace, with all efforts directed toward this. [1]
Statements From Witkoff and Kushner
Both Witkoff and Kushner said the discussions were substantive and they are encouraged. [1] Witkoff noted both sides will need to compromise and that they have the ingredients to reach a deal. [1] Witkoff said both sides would need to compromise, adding that they think they have the ingredients to get to that place after a very meaningful, substantive and important discussion, and they are very encouraged and look forward to continuing this as long as it takes. [1] Kushner added that hopefully this trip has come out with some new ways to advance forward and that they have learned a lot from the trip. [1]
Context of Ongoing Conflict and the Doomsday Clock in Kyiv Public Sentiment
Moscow's invasion has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions. [1] Since Putin launched the invasion in February 2022, the war has dragged on with no end in sight. [1] In Kyiv, few people appeared to believe in a breakthrough. [1] One resident said it was absolutely necessary for the envoys to be here and to see that the land is already soaked with this blood and that some help is needed. [1] Another resident aged 29 said there are no grounds for hope after seeing far too many of these negotiation processes. [1] Russia and Ukraine vowed not to strike each other's capitals during the US envoys' trip. [1] Putin promised safety for the US envoys during their visit. [2] The Kremlin previously said the Russian military was ordered not to attack Kyiv for three days related to the American negotiators' trip. [2]
Logistics and European Participation
The envoys traveled by train marked "Peace Express." [1] Ukrainian airspace has been closed since Russia launched its invasion in 2022. [1] British, French and German representatives attended a separate round of the talks. [1] Zelensky said he was grateful the Europeans were there, adding that here all are on the same side. [1] A White House official said in a statement to AFP that in Moscow the envoys had discussed substantive plans which will be announced in the coming weeks. [1]
What to watch next: The envoys are scheduled to continue discussions, with substantive plans to be announced in the coming weeks and further talks involving the US, France and Germany expected if the war continues into winter.
