Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused US envoy Steve Witkoff of promoting Russian narratives regarding the Ukraine war, as progress towards a minerals deal was discussed during Witkoff’s visit to Paris. Witkoff’s recent meeting with Vladimir Putin and subsequent comments on Fox News have raised concerns about his alignment with Moscow’s stance on the conflict, particularly regarding disputed territories such as Crimea and regions annexed in 2022. Zelenskyy also announced a potential minerals deal with the US, although conflicting statements about the signing timeline emerged from the White House.

Furthermore, Zelenskyy asserted that China was aiding Russia with artillery, citing captured Chinese citizens fighting in Ukraine. Despite US efforts to broker a ceasefire, challenges persist, with Russia accused of impeding progress. Witkoff’s discussions in Paris, alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aimed to garner support for security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire.

While a comprehensive ceasefire remains elusive, a temporary moratorium on targeting energy infrastructure was agreed upon, albeit with accusations of violations from both sides. Recent drone strikes in Dnipro resulted in casualties and damage to civilian structures, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian toll of the conflict. This escalation follows a deadly Russian missile strike on Sumy, further highlighting the devastating impact of the war on Ukrainian civilians. The situation remains complex, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to mitigate hostilities and secure lasting peace in the region.