Zelenskiy, addressing local reporters in Kyiv, mentioned that chief Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov briefed him on the latest discussions held on Friday with US negotiators in the US.
He noted that another session was set for Saturday, with a focus on Ukraine’s recovery post-conflict. Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev was also present in Miami for discussions with US officials.
Zelenskiy highlighted that the United States was currently advocating for trilateral talks — between the US, Ukraine, and Russia — at the level of national security advisers.
“If such a meeting could facilitate prisoner swaps or lead to an agreement among national security advisers for a leaders’ meeting…I cannot oppose it. We would endorse such a US proposal. Let’s see how things unfold.”
Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine advocates for proposals that would maintain the current “contact line” without requiring Ukraine to relinquish control over territory in the industrial region of Donbas in eastern Ukraine.
“In my view, the fair stance is to remain where we currently are,” he remarked.
“It is a matter of principle. Regardless of the format we embrace or our approach to the issue, it is crucial for us that Ukrainian authorities maintain control over that part of Donbas that we currently oversee.”
He noted that a US suggestion to establish a “free economic zone” in eastern Ukraine should be a decision made by the people of Ukraine.
“We are meticulously addressing every point and every step to ensure not a vague ‘understanding’ regarding the division of territory and resources, but rather an agreement that guarantees stable and lasting peace along with reliable security assurances,” he mentioned.
Zelenskiy also stated that Ukraine and its European partners should persist in backing the ongoing US-led peace negotiations, a format worth “defending,” while adding, “If it doesn’t pan out, we will consider other alternatives.”
Zelenskiy was replying to inquiries regarding comments from French President Emmanuel Macron, which suggested that Europe may need to re-engage in direct discussions with Russia if the US-led initiatives falter.
Earlier, Zelenskiy indicated he would review the new US proposal for trilateral talks with Umerov.
Face-to-face negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have not occurred since July, but US-backed shuttle diplomacy aimed at resolving the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine has intensified in recent weeks.
