Ukraine ready for talks next week with US over Russia proposals as war enters 4th year -Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Kyiv is prepared to resume talks with the United States next week on proposals aimed at ending the war with Russia.

Zelensky disclosed this in his evening address on Saturday, noting that Ukrainian negotiators were awaiting feedback from Washington on the timing of further meetings.

The war which started on February 2022 is now about to enter its 4th anniversary .

Zelensky’s comments suggested that a second round of talks earlier scheduled to begin on Sunday in Abu Dhabi involving US, Russian and Ukrainian officials may have been postponed.

“Ukraine is ready to work in all working formats,” Zelensky said.

“It is important that there are results and that the meetings take place. We are counting on meetings next week and are preparing for them.”

The remarks came as US envoy Steve Witkoff said he held “productive and constructive” discussions with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev in Florida on Saturday.

Teams from Ukraine and Russia had met last Friday and Saturday in Abu Dhabi for their first face-to-face negotiations under a plan promoted by US President Donald Trump to end the conflict. The parties had agreed to reconvene on Sunday.

However, Zelensky hinted on Thursday that the date and location of the next talks could change due to rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The United States has said both sides are close to reaching an agreement, but according to Kyiv, major differences remain, particularly over the issue of territory in any post-war settlement.