The US-Ukraine Meeting Sends Positive Signals; US Describes Talks as "Progressing Well"
On Thursday, the White House revealed that US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll met with Ukrainian President Zelensky and expressed a "cautious optimism" after the meeting. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated at the press briefing that the talks were constructive, with both sides engaging in in-depth discussions on the current state of the conflict, aid delivery pace, and future diplomatic opportunities.
According to the White House, the US has continuously emphasized its unwavering support for Ukraine while also exploring potential avenues to de-escalate the conflict. Driscoll expressed understanding of Ukraine's position and believes there remains "a space within diplomatic means worth attempting, though yet to be proven."
The US Quietly Develops a Peace Plan, Engaging Various Stakeholders
Levitt disclosed that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are "low-key evaluating a peace framework" while continuously gathering both sides' positions and potential points of compromise. She noted that the US has been in communication with several relevant countries and international organizations, seeking breakthroughs for future negotiations.
She emphasized that this process is still in the early stages and not yet a concrete document, but the US goals include:
— Assessing Ukraine's security needs;
— Understanding Russia's bottom lines and demands at this stage;
— Exploring whether regional security can be assured through multilateral means.
Levitt added that Rubio and Witkoff are "trying to clarify the actual concerns of both parties," stressing that the US will not advance without consulting Ukraine's stance.
Zelensky Maintains an Open Attitude; US Believes Interests Are Not Entirely Divergent
During the talks, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's basic positions on territorial integrity and long-term security assurances but also expressed willingness to consider any feasible suggestions from third parties that do not compromise Ukraine's sovereignty.
US officials noted that Ukraine's stance is "more flexible than the outside world imagines," particularly regarding technical details of future security arrangements. Through this communication, Washington believes there may still be topics open to discussion between Russia and Ukraine.
Nevertheless, the White House emphasized that conditions for immediate negotiations have not yet emerged, but preparations through diplomatic channels are progressing.
The US Cautiously Manages Expectations, Emphasizing It Won't Force Ukraine to Concede
In response to concerns that the US might pressure Ukraine to accept a compromise framework, Levitt clearly denied this notion during the briefing. She stated that the US would not impose any arrangement on Ukraine that does not align with its national interests, and any developments must respect Ukraine's decision-making authority.
She emphasized, "The role of the US is not to propose unilateral solutions but to help explore pathways that could reduce violence, slow the conflict, and potentially lay the groundwork for peace talks."
International Community Closely Watches; US Vows Continued Multifaceted Communication
With the conflict ongoing, both the US and multiple countries face domestic and international pressures for a swift ceasefire. The US is strengthening consultations with European and key global partners to ensure that any potential peace path does not deviate from established international law standards.
Levitt noted that the evolving regional situation will continue to be assessed in the coming weeks, with stable high-level communication between the US and Ukraine to be maintained.
Uncertain Outlook, but Diplomatic Activities Accelerate
While the scale of the conflict and geopolitical risks remain high, this meeting and the US's positive remarks indicate that diplomatic efforts are entering a more substantive phase. Analysts believe that the US's optimism does not mean peace is imminent, but it represents a "window of possibility" being reopened.
