Ukraine and the US prepare for pivotal talks on future peace and security
This week, Ukraine and the United States are scheduled to hold a series of crucial meetings aimed at charting the future course of action in resolving the ongoing conflict between Kyiv and Moscow.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that by the end of this week, Ukrainian and American delegations will meet to discuss the possibility of initiating direct negotiations with Russia to seek peace.
Zelensky shared that preliminary discussions are ongoing through consultations with American colleagues, including Special Representative Steve Voitechoff, Secretary of State Mark Rutte, and Vice President D.J.
Vens.
The primary goal of these talks is to develop a fundamental plan for security guarantees for Ukraine, as the US has presented several options, though they have yet to satisfy European partners.
Zelensky emphasized that details and specific strategies are still in development and require time, and stressed the importance of understanding Russia’s readiness for bilateral or even trilateral talks.
He added that Ukrainian and American officials will conduct additional meetings later this week to determine subsequent steps, including consultations with military leaders.
Additionally, on August 27, an international online conference will be held to discuss future strategies.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed Russia’s willingness to meet with President Zelensky if the meeting genuinely results in meaningful decisions.
Lavrov also stated that Moscow considers Ukraine’s president legitimate only de facto and is hesitant to sign peace agreements without clear guarantees.
Russia reaffirmed its readiness to continue direct negotiations solely in Istanbul, extending talks initiated in 2022.
Former U.S.
President Donald Trump called on Zelensky last week to show flexibility in peace negotiations, asserting that he could facilitate a summit between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin but would not participate himself.