US, Ukrainian officials discuss potential Zelenskyy visit to Washington amid peace talks: Report

Decision on whether Zelenskyy makes trip hinges on results of peace negotiations taking place in Geneva, say officials

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - US and Ukrainian officials are discussing the possibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveling to the US next week, CBS News reported Sunday.

The potential visit is linked to US President Donald Trump’s push to secure a peace agreement in Ukraine by the Thanksgiving holiday Thursday, according to the news outlet.

Several officials familiar with the discussions confirmed that the decision on whether Zelenskyy makes the trip hinges on the results of peace negotiations taking place in Geneva.

The Geneva talks are focused on a controversial 28-point US peace plan. The draft proposal requires Ukraine to concede territory, restrict the size of its military, and withdraw its bid for NATO membership.

While a senior White House official indicated there are no firm plans for a visit given the active diplomacy, an alternative option emerging from the Geneva talks is that US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll could travel to or meet with Russian officials.

Trump has demanded a response from Zelenskyy by Thursday and publicly criticized Ukraine's leadership for showing "zero gratitude" for American efforts to end the war with Russia.

Zelenskyy said he faces a choice between the "loss of our dignity or the risk of losing a key partner."

Kaynak:

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