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The peace push to halt the fighting in Ukraine could be entering a "pivotal week," the European Union's foreign policy chief has remarked, as a delegate for ex-leader Donald Trump gears up to meet Vladimir Putin after weekend talks with Ukrainian representatives.

Representative with Controversial Ties to Russia Set for Meeting

Steve Witkoff, the property developer turned envoy, is set to hold talks with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, the Kremlin stated. Witkoff was previously exposed for coaching Russian diplomats on methods to secure Trump's favor.

"We are entering a decisive week for peace efforts," said the EU's top diplomat, while adding it was "evident that Russia is not seeking peace."

Zelenskyy's Diplomatic Tour for Backing

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began a tour to secure support from Ukraine's European allies. He conferred with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to talk over "the foundations of a just and durable peace," according to.

The Ukrainian leader is furthermore set to make his inaugural state visit to Ireland on Tuesday. At the same time, his defence minister, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for talks with his EU equivalents.

Frustration over American Talks

The EU official shared concern that Europeans were not included in weekend negotiations held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she described as "challenging yet fruitful." When asked about having faith in the US to find a favorable resolution for Ukraine, she said, "Ukraine's representatives are there alone. If they were together with the Europeans, they would certainly be in a better position."

Writing on social media, Zelenskyy stated the US talks had been "extremely useful" but that there were "some tough issues that remain to be resolved."

Worry over US Peace Plan

European leaders were previously alarmed by a US proposal that circulated last month, which was heavily tilted in Russia's interest. Its alleged terms included ceding Moscow regions in eastern Ukraine it did not yet control, requiring Kyiv to limit the size of its army, and renouncing its bid to join NATO. While that original plan has reportedly been modified, Witkoff's forthcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth face-to-face meeting with Putin—is expected to increase anxiety in Kyiv and throughout European capitals.

Witkoff is due to travel to Russia on Monday, alongside Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to advance discussions. Kushner recently played an key role in talks over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin did not specify whether Kushner would also attend the meeting with Putin.

Weekend Talks and Domestic Pressure

The two close Trump envoys took part in the Florida discussions between senior Ukrainian and US delegates, which occurred at a exclusive golf club developed by Witkoff's company.

After the meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope for an end to the war. "There's more work to be done. This is complex," Rubio stated. "We have a lot of complexities, and obviously there's another party involved here... that will have to be a part of the solution."

Adding to the international pressure, President Zelenskyy is under domestic strain following the sudden resignation of his chief of staff and top aide, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in response to a expanding corruption investigation that has become the most serious crisis of Zelenskyy's presidency.