Ukraine Backs US Plan for Three-Way Talks with Russia, Seeks Tangible Results

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has conditionally endorsed a new American diplomatic initiative. He said Kyiv would support proposed three-way talks with the United States and Russia. The key condition is that such negotiations must deliver concrete outcomes. Zelenskiy outlined those outcomes during remarks in Kyiv on Saturday.The primary goals are facilitating more prisoner-of-war exchanges. Another aim is paving the way for a potential future meeting of national leaders. This statement marks a significant development in stalled peace efforts. It follows recent discussions between Ukrainian and American negotiators in the United States.

US Proposal for Three-Way Talks Gains Ukrainian Support

President Zelenskiy confirmed the U.S. is pushing for a new negotiation format. The proposal involves talks at the level of national security advisers. The participants would be the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. According to Zelenskiy, Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov briefed him on the latest U.S. discussions.Zelenskiy expressed cautious optimism about the American plan. He stated Ukraine cannot oppose a meeting that could secure prisoner swaps. He also supports talks that might achieve agreement on a leaders’ summit. His position was clear during his comments to local journalists.”If such a meeting could be held now to allow for swaps of prisoners of war… I cannot be opposed,” Zelenskiy said. “We would support such a U.S. proposal. Let’s see how things go.” This conditional backing provides a diplomatic opening. However, it firmly ties Ukraine’s participation to measurable progress.

Kyiv’s Core Principles for Any Negotiated Settlement

The Ukrainian leader firmly stated his nation’s non-negotiable principles. He emphasized Ukraine will not cede territory it currently controls. This is especially critical for parts of the eastern Donbas region. Zelenskiy called this stance a fundamental “matter of principle” for any talks.”For me, the fair version is we stand where we are now standing,” he declared. He insisted Ukrainian authorities must retain control over their present territory. This includes areas in the Donbas still under Kyiv’s command. The position directly addresses concerns about territorial concessions.Zelenskiy also commented on a reported U.S. idea for a “free economic zone” in eastern Ukraine. He said such a proposal is a matter for the Ukrainian people to decide. His government is working carefully on every point of discussion. The goal is a stable peace with reliable security guarantees, not a vague understanding.

Broader Diplomatic Context and European Perspectives

The U.S.-led peace talks have intensified recently. Ukraine and Russia have not negotiated face-to-face since last July. American-backed shuttle diplomacy is attempting to break the deadlock. Zelenskiy urged continued European support for this current format.He called the U.S.-led process worth “fighting for.” However, he acknowledged the possibility of other options if it fails. This statement came in response to remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron suggested Europe might need to re-engage Russia directly if U.S. efforts stall.Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev was also in the United States for talks. A new round of discussions focused on Ukraine’s post-war recovery was scheduled. The involvement of multiple parties highlights the complex diplomatic landscape. All sides are maneuvering as the conflict approaches its fourth year.

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The potential for three-way talks represents a pivotal moment in the Ukraine conflict. The success of this U.S. proposal hinges on delivering the tangible results Kyiv demands, particularly regarding prisoner exchanges and territorial integrity. The world now watches to see if this new format can move from proposal to productive negotiation.

Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from reputable news agencies. It synthesizes available information without speculation.
References: Information was collected from source material citing statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and reports on diplomatic discussions.