Ukraine Signals Support for U.S.-Led Three-Sided Talks With Russia to Boost Peace Efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that Ukraine is prepared to support a U.S. proposal for three-sided talks involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, provided the initiative helps accelerate prisoner exchanges and opens the door to meetings between national leaders. His remarks underscore Kyiv’s cautious openness to diplomatic formats that could move the nearly four-year-old war toward a sustainable resolution.

Speaking to local journalists in Kyiv, Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, briefed him on recent discussions held Friday with U.S. officials in the United States. According to Zelenskiy, another round of talks was scheduled for Saturday, with a focus on Ukraine’s post-war recovery and reconstruction. At the same time, Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev was reported to be in Miami for separate discussions with U.S. officials, highlighting the intensifying pace of shuttle diplomacy.

Zelenskiy said Washington is proposing talks at the level of national security advisers from all three countries. He emphasized that Ukraine would not oppose such a format if it leads to concrete outcomes. He specifically pointed to potential prisoner of war swaps or progress toward arranging a leaders’ summit as reasons to back the U.S. initiative, adding that Ukraine would evaluate the proposal based on results rather than symbolism.

On territorial issues, Zelenskiy reaffirmed Ukraine’s firm position regarding the current front line in eastern Ukraine. He said Kyiv supports proposals that would keep the contact line where it is, without Ukraine surrendering any territory it currently controls in the Donbas region. Retaining authority over these areas, he stressed, is a matter of principle for Ukrainian authorities.

Zelenskiy also commented on a reported U.S. idea to establish a free economic zone in eastern Ukraine, saying such a decision should ultimately be made by the Ukrainian people. He reiterated that Ukraine is seeking not a vague understanding on territory or resources, but a clear agreement that ensures lasting peace and credible security guarantees.

Finally, Zelenskiy said Ukraine and its European partners should continue backing the current U.S.-led peace efforts, calling the format worth pursuing. However, he added that if the talks fail to deliver results, alternative diplomatic options would need to be considered.