Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that his country is actively engaged in daily discussions with American officials to facilitate peace negotiations. However, he expressed concerns about logistical challenges that have led Ukraine to assume a mediating role rather than being recognized as a party directly involved in the conflict.
During a recent broadcast of the telethon “Unified News,” Zelensky stated, “We talk to the American side every day. Our negotiation team is in contact with their counterparts. Nevertheless, we face difficulties. It feels as if we are mediators in this process, rather than a side in the war.”
He emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to hold talks anywhere, preferably in a trilateral format. However, he noted that the U.S. can only meet within its borders, while Russia is open to discussions in various locations, excluding the United States.
“Currently, due to the war in the Middle East and conflicts involving Iran, American officials are unable to travel abroad for security reasons. We are working to arrange meetings in Europe, Turkey, Switzerland, or even the Middle East. For now, that is the situation,” Zelensky added.
In related developments, bilateral talks took place in Miami on March 21 and 22, where U.S. and Ukrainian delegations convened to explore avenues for a peace agreement. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, arrived in Miami on the morning of March 21, accompanied by key figures including Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov and his deputy Serhiy Kyslytsia, along with David Arakhamia, the head of the parliamentary faction “Servant of the People.”
Following the first day of discussions, Zelensky reported that the Ukrainian team had met with representatives of President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Umerov indicated that a significant focus during the meetings was on aligning approaches to achieve practical results moving forward.
Earlier, the Kremlin had announced that Russia would not participate in the latest peace talks regarding the conditions for ending the ongoing conflict with Ukraine in the United States.
On the second day of negotiations, Umerov noted that the Ukrainian delegation concentrated on securing reliable safety guarantees and humanitarian issues, particularly the exchange and return of Ukrainian citizens.
On the same day, Zelensky shared that he had received a report from the Ukrainian delegation and mentioned signals indicating a potential continuation of exchanges, calling it “very good news and confirmation that diplomacy is working.”
On March 23, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described the talks as “constructive,” emphasizing their focus on establishing a sustainable and reliable security framework for Ukraine, alongside crucial humanitarian measures in the region.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has stated that his country is mediating in ongoing peace talks with the U.S. due to logistical challenges. Recent negotiations in Miami focused on security guarantees and humanitarian issues, with both sides seeking practical outcomes.