Prospects of a trilateral negotiation format: unresolved issues and a chance for conflict resolution
In the current climate of diplomatic tension between Ukraine, Russia, and the Western allies, the discussion around the potential use of a trilateral negotiation format gains particular importance.
According to Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister, Serhiy Kyslytsa, there is presently no indication of Moscow’s readiness to participate in such a meeting.
He emphasized that a negotiation format involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S.
President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin might become a decisive step toward resolving the ongoing conflict and achieving peace.
The diplomat pointed out that three rounds of negotiations in Turkey, bilateral meetings in the United States, and multilateral consultations with European leaders demonstrate Ukraine and its partners’ determined efforts to diplomatic conflict resolution.
However, questions about Russia’s willingness to engage in dialogue remain unaddressed.
Moscow’s position shows no signs of political-diplomatic readiness, and the Kremlin currently does not display any constructive intentions to resolve the conflict peacefully.
The significance of the trilateral format, as noted by Kyslytsa, lies in its potential to stimulate problem-solving processes, especially with the leadership role of Donald Trump, who could influence Putin’s response.
Nevertheless, the planned meeting on August 22 was canceled due to escalation from Russia.
Putin proposed that Zelensky visit Moscow for talks, but these proposals remain unconfirmed.
Thus, the outlook for a trilateral summit remains uncertain, but such a dialogue is regarded as an essential element in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine.