What was the response from Washington?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invited an American delegation to Kyiv for negotiations at the technical group level.
As reported by RBC-Ukraine, Zelensky shared this during a conversation with journalists.
Read also: Putin’s representatives stated there are “contacts” with the U.S. regarding Ukraine, while negotiations are on pause.
“I invited the American negotiating delegation to Kyiv. The delegation will do everything possible under the current conditions – during the war with Iran – to come to Kyiv. This is an alternative option for a trilateral meeting at the technical group level,” Zelensky said.
According to him, the American negotiating group could come to Kyiv and then proceed to Moscow.
“If we can’t meet as a trio, let’s do it this way – in turn. This is our proposal. I have heard positive signals from our partners regarding this proposal. We are also continuing to work on exchanges. We very much hope that they will take place,” the president noted.
Zelensky clarified that this proposal was discussed at a meeting attended by U.S. Special Representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, as well as American Senator Lindsey Graham and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
From the Ukrainian side, everyone was present except for the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, who is in the Middle East.
Peace negotiations
It is worth noting that Ukraine, with U.S. mediation, has already conducted several rounds of negotiations with Russia. The parties have not been able to reach an agreement on a ceasefire, as the aggressor country wants the surrender of the unoccupied Donbas, which Kyiv does not agree to.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected any exchange of Donbas territory for other regions.
He emphasized that Russia understands it will be able to hold onto border territories, and the moment will come when the Armed Forces of Ukraine will push the occupiers out of there.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian president noted that during future negotiations, it is necessary to agree on a meeting at the leaders’ level, as it is in this format that a resolution on territorial issues can be reached.
It should be noted that negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. are currently on pause. This is due to the fact that the Americans are currently focused on operations against Iran.
Meanwhile, on March 21, Ukrainian and American officials held a meeting in Miami.
