Zelenskyy says Ukraine discussed possible talks with Putin at leadership level

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that Kyiv discussed possible formats for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin "at the leadership level aimed at ending Russia's war." Zelenskyy said Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov briefed him on meetings with US presidential representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

US mediation

"Importantly, America remains engaged in diplomacy and, in particular, has acted as a mediator on the issue of a prisoner exchange," Zelenskyy said on X. He underlined that contacts with the US are ongoing "at the appropriate level" to hammer out the configuration of the exchange.

Drone deals

Zelenskyy also said Umerov provided a report on contacts with countries interested in drone deals with Ukraine. He said nearly 20 countries are involved at various stages, with four agreements already signed and initial contracts now being prepared. "In addition to the Middle East and the Gulf, the South Caucasus, and Europe, we will soon launch this new security cooperation within the framework of Drone Deals with another part of the world as well," he said.

Recent ceasefire announcement

Witkoff, Kushner and Umerov held talks in Miami last week. Following the meeting, President Trump announced Friday that Russia and Ukraine agreed to a three-day ceasefire and a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange. On Saturday, Putin said he is ready to meet Zelenskyy in any third country, but only to finalize a peace agreement.