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The diplomatic push to end the fighting in Ukraine could be entering a "pivotal week," the EU's top diplomat has observed, as a delegate for former President Donald Trump gets ready to confer with Vladimir Putin following weekend talks with Ukrainian officials.

Representative with Questionable Ties with Russia Set for Meeting

Steve Witkoff, the businessman turned negotiator, is scheduled to confer with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, as announced by. Witkoff was recently revealed for instructing Russian diplomats on methods to secure Trump's favor.

"It could be a critical week for negotiations," remarked the EU's foreign policy chief, while stressing it was "evident that Russia is not seeking peace."

Ukrainian Leader's European Tour for Backing

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy embarked on a diplomatic push to rally support from Ukraine's European friends. He conferred with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to talk over "the conditions of a equitable and sustainable peace," the Élysée Palace reported.

The Ukrainian leader is also expected to make his inaugural state visit to Ireland on Tuesday. Concurrently, his defense chief, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for discussions with his EU equivalents.

Concern over American Talks

The EU diplomat expressed unease that Europeans were not included in weekend negotiations held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she characterized as "tough but constructive." When asked about trusting the US to secure a favorable solution for Ukraine, she said, "Ukrainians are there by themselves. If they were together with the Europeans, they would undoubtedly be in a better position."

Writing on the platform X, Zelenskyy noted the US talks had been "highly productive" but that there were "several difficult issues that remain to be addressed."

Anxiety over US Proposals

European leaders were earlier alarmed by a US framework that surfaced last month, which was weighted in Russia's interest. Its alleged terms included ceding Moscow regions in eastern Ukraine it did not yet control, forcing Kyiv to cap the size of its army, and renouncing its ambition to join NATO. While that initial plan has reportedly been toned down, Witkoff's forthcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth meeting with Putin—is likely to increase concern in Kyiv and across European governments.

Witkoff is set to fly to Russia on Monday, accompanied by Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to proceed with discussions. Kushner previously played an active role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Kushner would too attend the meeting with Putin.

Florida Discussions and Domestic Pressure

The two trusted Trump envoys took part in the Florida talks between senior Ukrainian and US officials, which occurred at a private golf club developed by Witkoff's company.

After the meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism for an end to the war. "More work to be done. This is sensitive," Rubio stated. "There are a lot of complexities, and obviously there's another side involved here... that will have to be a part of the equation."

Amid the diplomatic challenges, President Zelenskyy is facing internal strain following the unexpected resignation of his chief of staff and top aide, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in the wake of a widening anti-corruption investigation that has become the most serious scandal of Zelenskyy's presidency.