Abu Dhabi talks in question, but alternatives exist — Zelensky
The next round of trilateral peace negotiations between Ukraine, the United States and Russia could take place within a few days in Europe. Possible locations include Switzerland, Turkey, Austria or the Vatican.
This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
“No one has postponed the next trilateral meeting with the Americans, even after the attack on Iran. It could take place on 5 or 6 March. It may not be in Abu Dhabi. I would prefer Geneva, or at least somewhere in Europe, because the war is on our continent,” Zelensky said.
The president added that if Russia seeks a neutral venue, Austria, the Vatican or Turkey could also be suitable.
Ukraine hopes for a larger number of prisoner exchanges in the near future. According to Zelensky, serious negotiations will only begin when the Russian army starts to contract.
“In reality, we seek dialogue, we want peace. At the same time, we try to remain strong, producing technical resources and more drones to compensate for the shortage of soldiers. We are diversifying methods of warfare that allow us to resist,” the president added.
Zelensky also stressed that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin plans to mobilise 400,000 new soldiers, but the Russian army has stopped growing: “Losses equal recruitment, they are close to a crisis.”
Since the beginning of 2026, Ukraine has conducted several rounds of negotiations with Russia. The main unresolved issue remains control over the non-occupied territories of Donbas.
Earlier, President Zelensky spoke with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Key topics included air defence missile supplies, the frontline situation, prospects for peace talks, and the chancellor’s upcoming visit to China.
