‘Spreading Russian narratives’: Zelensky slams Trump envoy Witkoff’s peace proposal

Steve Witkoff - File Photo

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday accused Steve Witkoff of "spreading Russian narratives", after the US envoy suggested a peace deal with Russia hinged on the status of Ukraine's occupied territories.

"I believe that Mr Witkoff has taken on the strategy of the Russian side. I think it is very dangerous, because he is consciously or unconsciously, I don't know, spreading Russian narratives," Zelensky told journalists.

Key allies of Kyiv held meetings with top US officials in Paris earlier in the day, as Europeans seek to promote their views on how to rekindle stalled talks on a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The talks come as Donald Trump's push to end three years of fighting has yet to bear fruit, with the US president expressing frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to agree to a complete and unconditional truce.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US envoy Steve Witkoff and French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off a lunchtime meeting at Macron's palace, which came days after Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier Thursday, Zelensky urged the allies meeting in Paris to lean on Russia to agree to a ceasefire.

Despite a series of diplomatic efforts, Russia has continued to strike Ukraine.

Russian drone strikes and shelling in killed at least 10 people on Thursday, Ukrainian authorities said, just days after a Russian attack killed at least 35 people in the northeastern city of Sumy.

Macron has taken the lead in seeking to forge a coordinated European response to defending Ukraine, both during the current conflict and in its eventual aftermath after Trump shocked the world by opening direct talks with Russia.

Britain and France are spearheading discussions among a "coalition of the willing" of 30 countries looking to shore up any deal Trump might strike with a "reassurance force".