• Ukrainian President Zelensky held talks with U.S. envoys about the Russian war.
• Discussions included "new ideas" for peace formats and timing.
• Zelensky emphasized the importance of a realistic and effective peace process.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Thursday, December 25, that he had a "very good conversation" with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner concerning efforts to end the "brutal Russian war" against Ukraine. Zelensky highlighted that they discussed "certain substantive details of the ongoing work" and expressed appreciation for the constructive approach of the U.S. delegation, stating, "We are truly working 24/7 to bring closer the end of this brutal Russian war against Ukraine," according to Le Monde, CBS News, and AA.

Zelensky also mentioned that some documents related to potential peace plans are nearing completion, and constructive ideas for timing and formats of negotiations were discussed during an hour-long meeting, according to Le Monde, CBS News, and AA. Zelensky conveyed that further discussions would involve Ukraine’s senior negotiator Rustem Umerov and emphasized the need for real peace, recovery, and security for all involved parties.

The talks come amid ongoing missile and drone attacks by Russia on Ukrainian cities, as well as discussions from the U.S. side regarding the need for pressure on Russia to agree to peace conditions. Zelensky has indicated a willingness to consider troop withdrawals from certain regions, contingent on reciprocal actions from Moscow, according to Le Monde, CBS News, and AA.