Zelenskyy signals next round of Ukraine peace talks may be in US

Following the conclusion of a two-day diplomatic round in the Middle East, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that future peace negotiations with Russia may shift to American soil. In a statement on Thursday, Zelenskyy said further meetings are planned for the near future and are "likely in America," signaling a continued and potentially deepening U.S. role as a mediator in the conflict.

Outcome of the Abu Dhabi talks

Zelenskyy's comments came after he received a report from his negotiation team following talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, involving delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. Those discussions concluded with a significant, immediate outcome: the first prisoner-of-war exchange between Moscow and Kyiv in five months. A joint communique described the talks as "constructive" and focused on creating conditions for a lasting peace, marking a rare moment of tangible progress from direct engagement.

Ukraine's principles for a settlement

In his statement, President Zelenskyy reiterated the core principles guiding Ukraine's approach to the negotiations. He expressed readiness to engage in any format that could "genuinely bring peace closer and make it reliable, long-term, and deprive Russia of any appetite to continue fighting." Crucially, he emphasized that any resolution must ensure Russia is not rewarded for its aggression, a position he stated is key to restoring true security. He also thanked international partners for their support in upholding this principle.

Significance of a potential US venue

The prospect of hosting the next round of talks in the United States would represent a notable escalation in Washington's direct involvement in the peace process. While the UAE has served as a neutral ground, moving negotiations to the U.S. could be interpreted as a move to leverage greater American diplomatic influence and pressure. It underscores the central role the Trump administration is playing in the current negotiation track, even as the war is poised to enter its fifth year later this month.