Peace talks on Ukraine enter 'danger zone' as US focus shifts – FT

According to four EU diplomats involved in negotiations with Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East has diverted Washington’s attention away from the peace agreement.

Diplomats say this benefits Russia because of higher oil prices, the suspension of certain US sanctions, and the rapid depletion of American ammunition needed by Kyiv.

One representative of the European Union noted that the negotiation process is effectively "really in the danger zone."

“The Middle East has seriously redirected political attention away from Ukraine. For us and for Ukraine, this is a catastrophe,” he said.

Problems with weapons supplies

Diplomats also reported that European partners were warned about possible delays in US weapons deliveries to Ukraine. In particular, this concerns air defense systems, as Washington is currently prioritizing orders from the Middle East.

The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, confirmed that competition for weapons between Ukraine and Middle Eastern countries is already being felt.

“It is definitely a problem because you have a competition for the same assets, really, in the Middle East as well as in Ukraine. Clearly America’s attention right now is on the Middle East,” she said.

Russia’s position

According to the media outlet’s sources, Russian leader Vladimir Putin is refraining from criticizing Donald Trump, likely trying to avoid triggering stronger US support for Ukraine.

At the same time, diplomats say that during negotiations, Russia has shown no willingness to compromise.

One participant in the informal talks said there may be no new negotiations in the near future.

“I don’t think the Russians want to have talks anytime soon again. Because there is nothing to talk about,” he said.

Skepticism in the EU

Within the European Union, there is growing doubt that peace negotiations can succeed without additional pressure on Moscow.

In particular, Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, tried to persuade Donald Trump, during a visit to the White House, to increase pressure on Russia.

According to sources, he brought maps and analytical materials to support the need for a tougher position.

However, according to the media outlet’s interlocutors, the US president showed little interest in discussing the issue in detail. They also saw no signs that Washington was ready to increase pressure on the Kremlin.

In addition, American officials informed European partners last week that new sanctions against Russia’s oil sector are not currently planned.

Ukraine’s position

In Ukraine, officials believe that Russia is not showing serious readiness to end the war, as it continues to insist on demands that Kyiv cannot accept.

At the same time, a senior Ukrainian official said Kyiv is not yet drawing final conclusions about how the situation in the Middle East may affect the negotiation process.

“We will wait and see how the situation develops,” he said.

Peace talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia

At the beginning of 2026, Ukraine held several rounds of negotiations with Russia mediated by the United States. Some progress was made on the military track, particularly in monitoring the ceasefire.

The latest round of trilateral talks took place in Geneva on February 17–18.

The next meeting had been scheduled for March 5 in Abu Dhabi, but it was postponed after US and Israeli strikes on Iran began.

There is currently no information about a new date or location for the negotiations.

Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the preparations for negotiations on ending the war as “a whole Santa Barbara.”