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The political push to end the conflict in Ukraine may be approaching a "pivotal week," the European Union's lead foreign affairs official has stated, as a special envoy for former President Donald Trump prepares to confer with Vladimir Putin after weekend talks with Ukrainian leaders.

Envoy Amid Questionable Ties with Russia Set for Talks

Steve Witkoff, the real estate magnate turned envoy, is set to meet with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, according to. Witkoff was in recent reports exposed for coaching Russian officials on how to win Trump's backing.

"This may be a decisive week for peace efforts," stated the EU's top diplomat, while adding it was "evident that Russia is not seeking peace."

Ukrainian Leader's European Push for Backing

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy embarked on a tour to mobilize support from Ukraine's European friends. He held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to examine "the foundations of a equitable and sustainable peace," as stated by.

The Ukrainian leader is furthermore scheduled to make his first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday. Simultaneously, his defense chief, Denys Shmyhal, was in Brussels on Monday for discussions with his EU counterparts.

Concern over US-Led Talks

The EU diplomat expressed frustration that Europeans were not included in weekend negotiations held in Florida between the US and Ukraine, which she described as "tough but constructive." In response to a question about having faith in the US to secure a good outcome for Ukraine, she commented, "Ukrainians are there by themselves. If they were together with the Europeans, they would certainly be in a better position."

Writing on the platform X, Zelenskyy noted the US talks had been "highly productive" but that there were "some tough issues that remain to be worked through."

Worry over American Peace Plan

European leaders were previously concerned by a US framework that surfaced last month, which was seen as skewed in Russia's favor. Its reported terms included ceding Moscow territories in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, requiring Kyiv to cap the size of its army, and abandoning its bid to join NATO. While that initial plan has reportedly been modified, Witkoff's upcoming visit to Moscow—his sixth face-to-face meeting with Putin—is expected to heighten anxiety in Kyiv and across European governments.

Witkoff is set to travel to Russia on Monday, with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to continue peace talks. Kushner recently played an prominent role in talks over a Gaza peace deal. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Kushner would too attend the talks with Putin.

Florida Talks and Political Pressure

The two close Trump envoys participated in the Florida talks between senior Ukrainian and US delegates, which were held at a exclusive golf club developed by Witkoff's company.

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

Amid the international pressure, President Zelenskyy is under internal pressure following the abrupt resignation of his chief of staff and top aide, Andriy Yermak. The resignation came in response to a widening anti-corruption investigation that has become the biggest scandal of Zelenskyy's time in office.