Kremlin comments on Russia's participation in US peace talks on March 21
Photo: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov (Getty Images)
On Saturday, March 21, talks in the United States will take place only between Kyiv and Washington, with Moscow not participating, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
“No, Russia will not take part in these contacts. This will be a bilateral dialogue between Ukrainians and Americans. The pause in the continuation of the trilateral format is temporary,” he said.
Peskov also expressed hope that Russia would be able to return to the переговорations in the near future.
Ukrainian delegation at the talks
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian officials have already departed for the United States to take part in the next round of negotiations.
He said he discussed the negotiation process with National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Head of Ukraine’s military intelligence Kyrylo Budanov, and Servant of the People faction leader David Arakhamia. First Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Serhii Kyslytsia will also take part in the meetings.
Pause in negotiations
It should be recalled that the new round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States was initially scheduled for March 5–8 in Abu Dhabi.
Zelenskyy said the sides considered changing the location due to fighting in the Middle East. However, the meeting did not take place, as the United States was focused on its operation against Iran.
Last week, the Ukrainian president said Washington had expressed readiness for a new meeting, but only on US territory. American officials are currently unable to leave the country due to the security situation.
At the same time, Zelenskyy stressed that during the upcoming talks, it is necessary to agree on a meeting at the leaders’ level, as only such a format can lead to a decision on territorial issues.
