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The diplomatic effort to halt the war in Ukraine might be facing a "pivotal week," the EU's foreign policy chief has stated, as a representative for ex-leader Donald Trump gets ready to hold talks with Vladimir Putin after recent discussions with Ukrainian representatives.

Representative Amid Questionable Ties to Russia Scheduled for Talks

Steve Witkoff, the real estate magnate now serving as peace envoy, is due to meet with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, according to. Witkoff was previously revealed for advising Russian diplomats on ways to gain Trump's favor.

"This may be a pivotal week for peace efforts," stated the EU's top diplomat, but stressing it was "clear that Russia is not seeking peace."

Ukrainian Leader's European Push for Backing

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

The Ukrainian leader is additionally scheduled to make his initial diplomatic trip to Ireland on Tuesday. At the same time, his defense chief, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for meetings with his EU equivalents.

Concern over American Talks

The EU diplomat shared frustration that Europeans were not present in recent negotiations held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she characterized as "difficult but productive." In response to a question about having faith in the US to find a good resolution for Ukraine, she said, "Ukraine's representatives are there by themselves. If they would be together with the Europeans, they would definitely be in a better position."

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

Worry over American Peace Plan

European leaders were previously alarmed by a US plan that surfaced last month, which was seen as skewed in Russia's interest. Its reported terms included granting Moscow regions in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, requiring Kyiv to limit the size of its army, and abandoning its goal to join NATO. While that original plan has reportedly been scaled back, Witkoff's forthcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth meeting with Putin—is expected to increase concern in Kyiv and across European capitals.

Witkoff is due to travel to Russia on Monday, with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to proceed with peace talks. Kushner previously played an active role in negotiations over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin did not specify whether Kushner would too attend the talks with Putin.

Weekend Talks and Political Strain

The two trusted Trump envoys were involved in the Florida discussions between senior Ukrainian and US officials, which were held at a exclusive golf club developed by Witkoff's company.

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

Amid the diplomatic pressure, President Zelenskyy is under internal strain following the unexpected resignation of his chief of staff and closest adviser, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in the wake of a widening corruption investigation that has become the most serious scandal of Zelenskyy's presidency.