Zelensky Announces Preparations for Talks with Russia Despite Escalation in Iran
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia scheduled for early March remains on track.
Despite the large-scale escalation in the Middle East and the security threat in the Persian Gulf region, the meeting has not been officially canceled.
According to the President, the next stage of diplomatic consultations was supposed to take place in Abu Dhabi from March 5 to 8.
However, due to active hostilities and missile attacks in the UAE region, it is currently impossible to guarantee the safe conduct of the event at that location.
“The meeting was planned for the period from the fifth to the eighth… approximately the fifth-sixth… of March. The meeting was planned in Abu Dhabi. For now, due to these hostilities, we cannot confirm that the meeting will be in Abu Dhabi, but nevertheless, no one has canceled the meeting,” Volodymyr Zelensky said while speaking to journalists.
The Ukrainian side considers this round critically important for advancing the peace process and addressing humanitarian issues.
The President emphasized that Kyiv is interested in holding the talks regardless of which city will ultimately host the delegations.
As an alternative to Abu Dhabi, the Ukrainian leadership is considering already proven diplomatic venues in Turkey or Switzerland. Both countries have previously served as centers of international dialogue and have the necessary experience in organizing meetings of this level.
“The meeting must take place, it is important for us, we support this meeting. And the meeting is important, and the results are important, and the exchange is very important,” added the head of state, emphasizing the need for practical outcomes.
Recall that Trump instructed the U.S. team to accelerate the peace negotiations.
Zelensky also confirmed Umerov’s talks with Americans in Geneva.
