Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that a delegation from Ukraine is en route to the United States for discussions aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting is scheduled for March 21, though it remains unclear whether Russian representatives will participate.
During a speech on March 19, Zelensky indicated that there have been positive signals from the American side regarding a willingness to resume negotiations. He emphasized the need to end the pause in talks, stating, “The negotiation pause has been long enough; it’s time to conclude it. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the negotiations are substantive. The Ukrainian team, specifically the political segment of the negotiation group, is already on the way. We expect to meet in the United States this Saturday.”
“The negotiation pause has been long enough; it’s time to conclude it. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the negotiations are substantive. The Ukrainian team, specifically the political segment of the negotiation group, is already on the way. We expect to meet in the United States this Saturday.”
Zelensky confirmed that key figures representing Ukraine will include National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Presidential Office Head Kyrylo Budanov, Servant of the People faction leader Davyd Arakhamia, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Serhiy Kyslytsia.
Previously, Zelensky mentioned that U.S. officials had proposed a location in America for the upcoming talks, but Russian representatives expressed opposition to this arrangement.
Background on the Negotiations
The last round of trilateral discussions involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 26. These talks focused on economic issues and long-term support mechanisms for Ukraine.
On February 28, Zelensky stated that he had updated directives for the Ukrainian delegation regarding the parameters for potential peace negotiations. He also noted on March 10 that the Ukrainian team was prepared to travel to Turkey for trilateral talks with Russia and the U.S., but the American side postponed the meeting to the following week.
Since the onset of military operations involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, Kremlin officials have indicated that there is currently “no clarity regarding the timing and location” of the next trilateral discussions aimed at ending the war.
Ukrainian officials are set to meet with American counterparts on March 21 to discuss peace negotiations with Russia. The outcome remains uncertain as the participation of Russian representatives is not confirmed.