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The political endeavor to end the war in Ukraine could be entering a "pivotal week," the EU's foreign policy chief has observed, as a delegate for former President Donald Trump gets ready to hold talks with Vladimir Putin after weekend discussions with Ukrainian representatives.

Envoy with Controversial Ties to Russia Set for Meeting

Steve Witkoff, the businessman turned envoy, is set to hold talks with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, according to. Witkoff was previously revealed for instructing Russian diplomats on methods to secure Trump's backing.

"It could be a critical week for diplomacy," remarked the EU's foreign policy chief, but stressing it was "obvious that Russia does not want peace."

Zelenskyy's Diplomatic Tour for Backing

Meanwhile, Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy undertook a tour to rally support from Ukraine's European friends. He held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to discuss "the foundations of a equitable and sustainable peace," the Élysée Palace reported.

The Ukrainian leader is also scheduled to make his first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday. At the same time, his defense chief, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for meetings with his EU counterparts.

Concern over US-Led Negotiations

The EU diplomat voiced unease that Europeans were not represented in recent negotiations held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she described as "tough but constructive." When asked about trusting the US to secure a good resolution for Ukraine, she noted, "Ukraine's representatives are there alone. If they were together with the Europeans, they would certainly be far more powerful."

Writing on social media, Zelenskyy said the US talks had been "very constructive" but that there were "several difficult issues that must still be addressed."

Worry over US Peace Plan

European leaders were previously alarmed by a US proposal that surfaced last month, which was heavily tilted in Russia's interest. Its reported terms included granting Moscow territories in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, forcing Kyiv to cap the size of its army, and abandoning its ambition to join NATO. While that initial plan has reportedly been toned down, Witkoff's upcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth meeting with Putin—is expected to fuel unease in Kyiv and throughout European governments.

Witkoff is expected to travel to Russia on Monday, alongside Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to proceed with discussions. Kushner recently played an active role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Kushner would also attend the meeting with Putin.

Florida Discussions and Domestic Strain

The two close Trump representatives took part in the weekend discussions between senior Ukrainian and US officials, which took place at a private golf club developed by Witkoff's company.

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

Amid the international challenges, President Zelenskyy is facing internal strain following the abrupt 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 biggest crisis of Zelenskyy's time in office.