Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced updated directives for his delegation ahead of imminent negotiations with Russia. This announcement comes as discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have influenced the diplomatic landscape.
Zelensky emphasized the need for Russia to cease its aggression not just against Ukraine, but also towards Europe as a whole. He stated, “I have defined updated directives for our negotiation team and our diplomatic team. Peace is needed—true peace that allows people to live freely and safely.”
During a recent briefing, Zelensky was joined by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, who had just returned from meetings with representatives of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The discussions primarily focused on economic issues and reconstruction efforts.
The Ukrainian leader noted, “We continue to prepare for a trilateral format, whenever that may be.” This comes in the wake of a phone call between Zelensky and Trump, where Trump expressed his desire to achieve a cessation of hostilities within a month.
Reports from Reuters indicate that Ukraine and the U.S. have been in talks about a potential peace agreement with Russia, which could be finalized as early as March. Bloomberg has suggested that the Trump administration’s push for a peace deal is partly motivated by the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence, celebrated on July 4.
Additionally, the fourth round of trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia is expected to take place on March 4-5, and sources suggest this meeting could be pivotal for finalizing a peace agreement. In a related development, Russia has reportedly indicated a willingness to withdraw its military from the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, as well as to drop claims on Ukrainian-controlled parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
President Zelensky has outlined new directives for peace negotiations with Russia, stressing the need for genuine security and freedom. Upcoming discussions may lead to a significant peace agreement as both sides prepare for crucial talks in March.