Axios: Zelensky's conversation with Witkoff and Kushner "was difficult"

During a two-hour telephone conversation between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump's advisers — Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — the parties discussed key issues, including territorial ones. This discussion "was difficult," writes Axios, citing a source.

In particular, this concerns Moscow's demands for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the territory of Donbass — the United States is trying to "develop new ideas to solve this problem," the second source said.

Another important issue was the US security guarantees for Ukraine. One of the sources told Axios that the parties have made "significant progress" and are closer to an agreement, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

"The main difficult issues relate to territorial issues and security guarantees. We strive to make the agreed decisions realistic, fair and sustainable," the Ukrainian Ambassador to Olga Stefanishina in Washington.

Zelensky described the talks as "very focused" and "constructive."

Prior to that, Witkoff and Kushner held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on December 2. In particular, the parties discussed the issue of territories without which Russia "does not see a solution to the crisis," as well as "huge prospects for future economic cooperation" between Moscow and Washington, the Kremlin said.