Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that no trilateral meeting on ending the war would take place before Russia’s parliamentary elections on September 20.
The planned talks would involve Ukraine, Russia and the United States. Zelenskyy’s comments suggest that the next trilateral meeting will not happen before the Russian vote.
Ukraine and US Remain in Contact
Despite the delay, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators remain in constant contact.
He expressed hope for progress in talks on energy and grain later in September. Those discussions could gain momentum after his expected meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The two sides have continued diplomatic efforts even as fighting between Russia and Ukraine remains intense.
Peace Efforts Face Delays
The latest development comes as U.S.-led efforts to restart broader peace negotiations continue.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently held talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They later traveled to Kyiv for discussions with Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials. However, the meetings produced no major diplomatic breakthrough.
Zelenskyy has continued to support further negotiations but has also stressed the need for stronger Ukrainian security and international support.
Energy and Grain Talks
Meanwhile, energy and grain remain important issues in the diplomatic process.
Zelenskyy said he hoped to make progress on both issues toward the end of September. These discussions could address practical measures linked to the war and its wider impact.
However, the broader question of how to end the conflict remains unresolved.
Russia is scheduled to hold its parliamentary elections on September 20. Until then, Zelenskyy said a new trilateral meeting will not take place.
