President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed peace efforts with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as diplomatic activity resumes.

President Volodymyr Zelensky held a conversation on July 22 with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, special envoys for U.S. President Donald Trump. The discussion focused on intensifying diplomatic efforts to reach a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky described the call as a good and important conversation, noting that both teams intend to remain in close contact to continue their work.

Diplomatic context and recent developments

The July 22 call follows a six-month freeze in trilateral peace negotiations between Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington, with no such meetings held since February in Abu Dhabi. While the recent conversation between Zelensky and the U.S. envoys lacked specific details, it signals a shift in the U.S. government's approach toward Ukraine. Separately, Zelensky met with U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker and U.S. General Curtis Buzzard in Kyiv on the same day. Discussions included the delivery of Patriot missiles and a pending U.S.-Ukraine drone agreement. President Trump recently announced that Washington would grant Ukraine licenses to produce its own Patriot interceptors, a move intended to address shortages in defensive weaponry.

Military strategy and pressure on Moscow

A senior Ukrainian official reported in June that President Trump had encouraged Zelensky to act more boldly in the conflict to pressure Russia into negotiations. Ukraine has recently conducted strike campaigns targeting Russian logistics, oil infrastructure, and power stations. These actions have contributed to a fuel crisis within Russia and have been effective in isolating occupied Crimea.