Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to participate in a video conference on April 1, which will include U.S. special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. This announcement was made during a press briefing at the Bucha Summit.
Zelensky stated, “Tomorrow, a conversation with the American side is planned in video format. I will connect, as they also requested me. I discussed this tonight with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. We agreed that he, I, Witkoff, Kushner, and Lindsey Graham will talk about where we stand and how close we are to trilateral agreements or at least trilateral meetings. So, we will have relevant contacts tomorrow.”
In addition, Rustem Umerov, the head of the Ukrainian negotiation team and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, will also join the meeting from Turkey. Zelensky emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions with several countries.
Earlier, on March 21 and 22, bilateral negotiations took place in Miami between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations as part of efforts to reach a peace agreement. Umerov led the Ukrainian team, which included key officials such as Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President, and David Arakhamia, leader of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction.
Following the first day of talks, Zelensky reported that the Ukrainian delegation met with Witkoff and Kushner. Umerov noted that the discussions focused on aligning approaches for further progress toward practical outcomes.
Russia has previously stated that it would not participate in the ongoing peace talks regarding the conditions for ending the conflict with Ukraine in the United States.
On the second day of negotiations, Umerov indicated that the Ukrainian team concentrated on reliable security guarantees and humanitarian issues, including the exchange and return of Ukrainian citizens. Zelensky later mentioned that he received a report from the delegation and noted signals regarding potential continuations of exchanges, calling it a positive sign that diplomacy is working.
On March 23, Witkoff described the negotiations as “constructive,” focusing on key issues related to establishing a sustainable and reliable security system for Ukraine, as well as crucial humanitarian measures in the region.
Earlier, on February 17-18, trilateral talks were held in Geneva involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia concerning the end of the war. Umerov reported that discussions were centered on practical issues and potential solutions.
During the same period, Umerov held separate meetings with representatives from the U.S., France, the U.K., Germany, Italy, and Switzerland to synchronize approaches for future steps following the initial day of talks.
Witkoff reported “significant progress” after the first day of the Geneva negotiations, stating that both sides agreed to provide updated information to their leaders and continue working toward a peace agreement.
The second day of discussions was described by Umerov as “intense and substantive,” covering both political and military tracks, including security parameters and implementation mechanisms for potential resolutions. He noted that some issues were clarified while others remained for further coordination.
Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky characterized the talks as “difficult but businesslike.” Zelensky remarked that the discussions had achieved a level of “constructiveness” regarding monitoring the ceasefire, with the American side confirming its participation.
On February 18, Budanov announced that a new meeting would occur soon, following the trilateral round in Geneva.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will engage in a video conference with U.S. officials and NATO representatives to discuss ongoing peace negotiations. This follows recent bilateral talks in Miami aimed at advancing discussions on security and humanitarian issues amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.