Zelensky suggests next round of peace talks could take place in Europe or Turkey

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the next round of trilateral talks between delegations from Ukraine, the United States and Russia, scheduled for this week, has not been postponed, though the meeting may take place in Europe or Turkey instead of Abu Dhabi.

He said this in an interview with Corriere della Sera, according to Ukrinform.

According to Zelensky, the agreement to hold the next round of trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi had been reached before the U.S. operation against Iran began. He added that the meeting could still take place on March 5 or 6, as previously planned.

"But so far no one has postponed the next trilateral meeting. It may not be held in Abu Dhabi but moved to another country, another city. They [the delegations] held meetings in Switzerland; it could be Europe," he said, adding that he always favors holding such meetings in Europe, since the war is taking place on that continent.

"If Russia wants a neutral venue, Geneva would be suitable – it could be Switzerland, it could also be Austria, the Vatican […] or Turkey," Zelensky said.

He also expressed hope for further prisoner exchanges.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin, commenting on the upcoming trilateral talks, said there is still no clarity regarding the timing or location, the BBC News Russian said.

"It is obvious that it is now unlikely that a meeting will take place in Abu Dhabi, but there is still no clarity regarding the timing and location. As soon as there is, we will inform you," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Zelensky said following the latest round of talks in Geneva that progress had been made on military issues – particularly monitoring a ceasefire – while positions on political matters such as territories, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and other sensitive issues remain far apart.