Ukraine, the US and Russia held trilateral talks aimed at ending the war, with Zelenskyy confirming a US security pact is ready for signing as negotiations are set to continue on February 1
As Ukraine, the US and
Russia held fresh trilateral talks aimed at halting the nearly four-year war, Kyiv struck a cautiously optimistic tone. President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a security-guarantee agreement with Washington is ready for signing, even though no peace deal has been reached and fighting continues.
“For us, security guarantees are first and foremost guarantees of security from the United States. The document is 100% ready, and we are waiting for our partners to confirm the date and place when we will sign it,” the Ukrainian leader told reporters on Sunday during a visit to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital.
“The document will then be sent for ratification to the US Congress and the Ukrainian parliament,” he said.
Zelenskyy also urged that Ukraine be granted European Union membership by 2027, describing it as an “economic security guarantee.”
Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi
Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the US, on Friday and Saturday, met in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the
United Arab Emirates, for their first trilateral talks on Washington’s framework aimed at ending Russia’s nearly four-year full-scale invasion.
The meeting involved not only diplomats but also military representatives from all three sides. No peace agreement resulted, though Zelenskyy said the discussions were “productive.”
According to a US official, negotiators are set to return to Abu Dhabi on February 1 for the next round.
Zelenskyy underlined that major differences remain between Kyiv and Moscow, especially concerning territory.
“Our position regarding our territory — Ukraine’s territorial integrity — must be respected,” he said.
He referred to the Kremlin’s demand that Ukraine withdraw its forces from some eastern areas that Russia claims to have annexed but where its troops have not secured full control.
“These two fundamentally different positions — Ukraine’s and Russia’s. The Americans are trying to find a compromise,” Zelenskyy said, adding that “all sides must be ready for compromise.”
Strikes continue amid harsh winter
Despite the diplomatic efforts, Russia has continued missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, with energy infrastructure frequently targeted. Zelenskyy appealed for increased air defence assistance from partners.
“This week alone, the Russians have launched more than 1,700 attack drones, over 1,380 guided aerial bombs, and 69 missiles of various types,” Zelenskyy said on Sunday.
“That is why missiles for air defense systems are needed every day, and we continue working with the United States and Europe to ensure stronger protection of our skies,” he added.
Kyiv has described this winter as the most difficult since the full-scale war began, citing particularly severe cold. Sub-zero temperatures and repeated strikes have also complicated efforts to repair and restore damaged heating and electricity networks.
Moscow rejects talks with EU officials
Separately, Russia said it would not engage in discussions with European Union officials on ending the war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the bloc’s leadership as “incompetent.”
Peskov singled out Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief and a former Estonian prime minister. “With her we will never discuss anything at all, and the Americans will also not do so,” he said. “What can we do? We just have to wait until she leaves.”
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