Zelensky Anticipates Ukraine-US-Russia Trilateral Talks Within Weeks Amid Logistical Hurdles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism that trilateral negotiations involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia could take place within the coming weeks. Speaking to journalists, the President outlined the current diplomatic landscape and the logistical challenges delaying the high-level talks.

Awaiting Agreement on Location

According to Zelensky, the primary obstacle currently preventing the meeting is a disagreement over the venue, compounded by Washington's recent geopolitical focus on Iran. "Now the ball is in the court of the US and Russia," Zelensky stated. "I am very grateful to America for continuing this format, and, God willing, in the coming weeks we will have this opportunity."

The President revealed that the United States initially proposed hosting the talks on American soil, a suggestion Kyiv readily accepted. However, Moscow rejected the US venue, counter-proposing either Turkey or Switzerland approximately three weeks ago. In response, American officials indicated that their negotiating team is currently unable to travel outside the United States.

For its part, Ukraine remains highly flexible regarding the location. Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian representatives are prepared to meet "in any format, in any place, except Russia and Belarus." He reiterated Kyiv's willingness to travel to the US, Switzerland, Turkey, or any other location where their partners are ready to convene.

Strength on the Battlefield and the Diplomatic Track

Despite the current logistical impasse, Zelensky firmly rejected the notion that the diplomatic process has reached a dead end. He stressed the importance of advancing diplomatic efforts while maintaining a robust military posture.

"Let Russia surrender, we will not," the President declared. "We must organize a trilateral meeting and move forward on the diplomatic track. And to be strong at the negotiating table, we must be strong on the battlefield."

Concluding his remarks, Zelensky praised the Ukrainian military's recent progress, noting, "I am grateful to the armed forces that today we are much stronger than in the last half year."