Ukrainian President Supports Trilateral Meeting Proposal with US, Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his general support for a proposed trilateral meeting involving the national security advisors of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. The idea was presented by the United States and conveyed to Zelensky by Ukraine’s chief peace negotiator, Rustem Umerov. Zelensky cautiously welcomed the prospect of the meeting, acknowledging that while he is unsure if it will yield new outcomes, previous discussions in Türkiye resulted in the repatriation of captured soldiers and civilians.
“I am very glad that we had exchanges. Our people, our military, primarily prisoners, returned home. And civilians. And therefore we need to take such steps,” Zelensky remarked. He emphasized that if the meeting leads to exchanges or other agreements, he is in support of the US proposal and is open to observing the developments.
Zelensky highlighted that despite these positive steps, significant challenges persist in the peace process, particularly concerning territorial disputes, control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction. The US delegation, expected to include President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, will be joined by a Russian team featuring President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
Additionally, Ukrainian National Security Advisor Rustem Umerov is set to engage with the US delegation separately, potentially in Miami or another US location. Recent talks in Berlin saw US, European, and Ukrainian officials making substantial progress on a 20-point US draft peace plan, with consensus reached or significant gaps closed on 90% of the issues.