Peace talks and sanctions on Russia: Zelensky outlines expectations for meeting with Americans
Volodymyr Zelensky said that the upcoming Ukrainian-American meeting scheduled for March 21 will focus on preparations for future trilateral talks, sanctions against Russia, and work on agreements between Ukraine and the United States on security guarantees and reconstruction.
The Ukrainian President said this while speaking with journalists, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“First of all, we have a bilateral meeting, Ukrainian-American, in the United States. All issues will be raised. Preparations for a future trilateral meeting. We want clear dates, at least approximate ones. We all understand that the situation in the Middle East, the war, affects the postponement of this date. The trilateral meeting has already been postponed more than once. We would like more clarity on this,” he said.
Zelensky noted that dialogue with the American side must continue in a close format, particularly regarding sanctions against Russia.
“The recent sanctions that the American side lifted from the Russian energy sector – all of this poses risks for us, all of this increases money for Russia and expands its capabilities later on the battlefield. This is dangerous. I believe this meeting is also important from this perspective,” he emphasized.
At the same time, according to the President, work will continue on bilateral documents for the future end of the war, as well as on upcoming security guarantees and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Zelensky noted that the political part of the negotiating group will hold talks in the United States, despite Russia’s reluctance to continue the peace dialogue.
“We had progress in the trilateral meeting precisely in the military format. The three sides, in principle, agreed on how to monitor a ceasefire when there is political will. There is no political will yet. That is why the political subgroup is on the way – they will talk with the American side, they will talk in America,” Zelensky said.
He added that Ukraine understands that the Russians do not want to travel to the United States, while the American side, as long as the war in the Middle East continues, considers its presence in America a priority. “That is why our group is going to the United States,” the President concluded.
As reported by Ukrinform, the Ukrainian team has departed for the United States to discuss security arrangements, including air defense and ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Russia has said it will not take part in talks involving representatives of Ukraine and the United States on Saturday, March 21.
Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky / Telegram