Speaking from Kyiv, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine supports a swift timeline for returning to talks aimed at ending the war, now in its fifth year. He said Washington is pressing for technical-level discussions by the end of October and has been in contact with Moscow about the plan. The Kremlin indicated last month it did not rule out the possibility of three-way talks. Zelenskyy said the United Arab Emirates, which has hosted previous talks, could again be the setting, or “another country proposed by the American side”.
Ukraine signals readiness for US-mediated talks with Russia this month
Zelenskyy says Kyiv supports swift return to trilateral negotiations, possible in UAE
By LineZotpaper
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to hold trilateral talks with the United States and Russia this month, as Washington pushes for technical-level negotiations by the end of October. The comments, made during a press conference alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Kyiv, suggest a renewed diplomatic push after a pause in US ceasefire efforts.
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Analysis
Why This Matters:
- A return to US-backed talks could open a path toward de-escalation after more than four years of war.
- The timing coincides with Russia's renewed targeting of Ukraine's energy sector ahead of winter, raising the humanitarian stakes.
- India's expressed ambition to mediate adds another dimension to diplomatic efforts, potentially broadening the framework.
Background: The war between Russia and Ukraine has been fought for over four and a half years. US efforts to broker a ceasefire were paused when Washington launched its war on Iran. However, diplomatic channels have not closed entirely. The UAE has hosted previous rounds of talks, and the Kremlin signaled openness to three-way discussions last month. Despite diplomatic signals, both sides have indicated they will continue long-range attacks on military and related targets.
Key Perspectives: Ukraine: Ready for talks this month, supports a swift timeline, but criticises Russia's “savage desire to escalate” and its targeting of civilian infrastructure including data centres and mobile networks. Russia: Has not ruled out trilateral talks, but continues to escalate attacks, particularly against Ukraine's energy sector as winter approaches. United States: Pushing for technical-level negotiations by end of October, re-engaging after a pause in ceasefire efforts. India: Announced on Sunday it aims to step up mediation efforts, particularly regarding Black Sea shipping, looking to play a larger role.
What to Watch:
- Whether technical-level talks actually convene by late October, and whether Russia sends representatives.
- Russia's winter campaign against Ukraine's energy grid and its impact on civilian populations.
- India's concrete steps in mediation, including any proposals for Black Sea shipping corridors.
Sources
- Ukraine ready for US-backed talks with Russia: Zelenskyy — Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera