Published On 10/6/2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for Europe to be actively and influentially involved in any upcoming negotiations aimed at putting an end to the ongoing war between his country and Russia, which has entered its fifth year.
Zelensky revealed – in a joint press conference held with his Estonian counterpart Alar Karis in the capital, Tallinn – the content of a phone call he made last Monday with Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
He stated that the discussions focused on the necessary steps to end the war, while emphasizing the need for the Old Continent to engage in this path in an effective manner.
The Ukrainian President believes that “there is an urgent need for Europe to be present in these negotiations with a real and strong voice in decision-making centers,” noting that Washington is fully prepared to actively participate in the upcoming diplomatic tracks.
Zelensky defended his country’s approach, which calls for holding a summit at the leaders’ level with the participation of Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and the European Union to ensure a ceasefire.
Last week, Zelensky published an open letter to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, proposing to hold face-to-face talks on ending the war, but Putin was quick to respond to the proposal.
The two sides have intensified their attacks in recent weeks, resulting in dozens of casualties, amid faltering efforts to end the conflict.
While Moscow adheres to its conditions related to Kiev’s “neutrality” and its non-joining of Western military blocs, Ukraine rejects this as an infringement on its sovereignty and unacceptable interference in its internal affairs.
