Who is the New Head of Peace Talks Between Ukraine, US, and Russia?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rustem Umerov appointed as head of Ukrainian delegation for peace talks.
- Replaces Andriy Yermak amid rising tensions.
- Negotiations focus on ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Previous talks held in Geneva on November 23.
- Donald Trump involved in peace plan discussions.
Kyiv, Nov 30 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has designated Rustem Umerov as the new leader of the Ukrainian delegation for peace negotiations with the United States, other Ukrainian allies, and Russia, according to local media reports.
Umerov, who previously served as Ukraine’s secretary of the national security and defense council, takes over from Andriy Yermak in this crucial role, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
In a post on the social media platform X, Zelensky announced that the team under Umerov has already headed to the United States to explore strategies for resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“Rustem presented a report today, and our mission is clear: to quickly and effectively devise the necessary steps to conclude the war,” Zelensky stated.
On Friday, Yermak stepped down after anti-corruption officials searched his residence as part of an investigation.
The prior discussions between Ukrainian and US representatives took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 23.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump mentioned that his peace plan has been “refined” with contributions from both nations, and he is dispatching envoys to meet with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to finalize a deal.
“There are just a few remaining points of contention” over the 28-point plan crafted by the US after refinement, Trump stated on Truth Social on Tuesday.
“To expedite the finalization of this Peace Plan, I have instructed my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to engage with President [Vladimir] Putin in Moscow while Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will be in discussions with Ukrainian officials,” he added.
Trump expressed anticipation for meetings with both Putin and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, “but only when the agreement to end this war is either FINAL or in its concluding phases.”
He had initially set a Thanksgiving Day deadline for Ukraine to accept the deal but later indicated flexibility in extending this timeline if progress is evident.
The conflict, which Trump noted resulted in the loss of 25,000 soldiers last month, continues to escalate, with Russia launching missile and drone strikes on Kyiv this Tuesday.