In recent negotiations, Ukrainian President’s Office head Kyrylo Budanov announced that the Russian delegation has agreed to the security guarantees proposed by the United States for Ukraine. This statement was made during a press interview on February 28, where Budanov expressed optimism about the progress being made in discussions surrounding these guarantees.
Budanov stated, “Regarding security guarantees, the Russian side explicitly acknowledged that they would accept the terms offered by the United States. They cannot ignore this, as they have indicated their readiness to comply. For Ukraine, these guarantees are essential, and they must be respected by Russia.”
He also conveyed his belief in the potential for ending the conflict through diplomatic means, despite ongoing military actions. Budanov remarked, “Currently, while military operations continue, peace talks are also underway. I remain hopeful about their success, regardless of the skepticism surrounding them.”
On February 26, President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that a new trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia could take place in early March in Abu Dhabi. However, on February 28, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Israel and Iran, Zelensky indicated that the timing and location of the next meeting would depend on security conditions and diplomatic feasibility.
Several rounds of trilateral discussions have occurred throughout January and February, although specific outcomes have not been disclosed. Notably, a meeting on February 5 resulted in an agreement for a prisoner exchange, the first of its kind in five months.
Recently, U.S. Special Envoy Stephen Witkoff expressed optimism in an interview with Fox News, anticipating “good news” in the coming weeks and suggesting a possible meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Prior to negotiations in Geneva on February 17-18, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the need for Ukraine to engage in talks promptly. He previously indicated that Russia might be seeking an agreement amid the ongoing conflict.
Despite U.S. mediation efforts to halt the war, Russia has shown little willingness to soften its demands, which include Ukraine’s relinquishment of territories in Donbas. Analysts from ISW have noted that Russian officials continue to dismiss Western security guarantees for Ukraine, signaling a commitment to their maximalist objectives in the conflict. They assert that Russia is unlikely to settle for mere territorial concessions.
Meanwhile, Ukraine insists on robust security assurances from the U.S. and European allies to safeguard against future aggression from Russia.
Recent negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have seen progress on U.S.-proposed security guarantees, according to Ukrainian officials. Despite ongoing military actions, both sides continue to engage in peace talks, with hopes for a resolution amid complex geopolitical tensions.