United States envoys and European officials to hold Ukraine peace talks

Envoys representing United States President Donald Trump will meet with Ukrainian negotiators and European officials in Miami on Friday, according to France 24 English. Two United States sources stated that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will present proposals developed during recent discussions with both sides to seek a unified proposal to end the conflict. [1][3][4][5]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the scheduled meeting, France 24 English reported. The confirmation followed a Russian strike on buses in the frontline city of Kramatorsk that killed 30 people in one of the deadliest recent attacks. [1]

Donald Trump began his second tenure as president of the United States on January 20, 2025. Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia have occurred in several rounds since Russia launched its full invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks a ceasefire, a full withdrawal of Russian forces, and the return of prisoners and children, while Russian President Vladimir Putin demands recognition of occupied territory and guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO. [6][8]

In separate European Union developments, Euronews Election News reported that a satirical 2.6-meter statue named The Orange Plague was displayed in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, France. The gold-coated artwork by Danish artist Jens Galschiøt depicts a nude Donald Trump sitting on the back of a smaller man. [2]