Ukraine Ready for US-Backed Talks

Trilateral talks with Russia and the US could happen this month in the UAE or another US-proposed venue, says President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The US is pushing for technical-level talks by the end of October to try to end the war fought for over four and a half years.

Photo: Al Jazeera

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that his country is ready to hold trilateral talks with the US and Russia this month. He made the comments during a news conference alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Kyiv.

The US is pushing for technical-level talks by the end of October, Zelenskyy said. He confirmed that the United Arab Emirates, which has hosted previous talks, could again be the setting for a meeting.

Zelenskyy said he was open to meeting in the UAE or another country proposed by the US. Washington had also been in touch with Moscow about the plan, he added.

The Kremlin said last month that it did not rule out the possibility of three-way talks this month. Despite suggestions of their willingness to discuss an end to the conflict, both Russia and Ukraine have also said they will ramp up long-range attacks on military and related targets.

Zelenskyy accused Moscow of targeting civilian infrastructure, including data centres and mobile network facilities. He said he was amazed by Russia's savage desire to escalate the situation every day.

India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on Sunday that his country aims to step up its efforts to play a larger role in mediating an end to the conflict. India has become more involved in recent months, specifically regarding shipping in the Black Sea.

The US efforts to broker a ceasefire have been paused since Washington launched its war on Iran. However, with the new push for talks, there may be a chance for a breakthrough in the conflict.

Key facts

  • Ukraine is ready to hold trilateral talks with the US and Russia this month
  • The US is pushing for technical-level talks by the end of October
  • The UAE could be the setting for a meeting, or another country proposed by the US
  • Both Russia and Ukraine have said they will ramp up long-range attacks on military and related targets

Three perspectives

Neutral

The situation remains complex, with both sides expressing willingness to talk while also preparing for further conflict. The US push for talks may lead to a breakthrough, but it is unclear what the outcome will be. India's increased involvement may also play a role in mediating an end to the conflict.

Positive

The willingness of all parties to engage in talks is a constructive step towards ending the conflict. The US push for technical-level talks by the end of October may lead to a significant breakthrough. India's increased involvement may help to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

Negative

Despite the talk of negotiations, both Russia and Ukraine are preparing for further conflict, which may lead to increased violence and instability. The US war on Iran has paused efforts to broker a ceasefire, and it is unclear whether the new push for talks will be successful. The conflict may escalate further before a resolution is reached.

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