U.S. Could Host Next Round of Ukraine War Talks on February 17-18.

Talks on the War in Ukraine

According to TSN.ua: Kremlin officials have stated they anticipate the next round of negotiations concerning the war in Ukraine could be held in the United States on February 17-18. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian president, expressed this expectation, remarking:

“There is a certain understanding, we will keep you informed. As we have said, we expect the next round to take place soon.”

Readiness for Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed his willingness to engage in talks, having accepted a U.S. proposal to host another round. Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, also affirmed Zelenskyy's readiness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, it remains unclear whether Russia will agree to this initiative.

Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Kremlin chief, has proposed a meeting to Zelenskyy in Moscow, emphasizing:

“Our president, speaking with journalists on several occasions, has also said: if Zelenskyy is truly ready for a meeting, then we invite him to Moscow and we will guarantee his safety and the necessary conditions for work.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in turn, has expressed skepticism about the possibility of meeting in Moscow, stating: “It is certainly impossible for me to meet with Putin in Moscow. I can just as well invite him to Kyiv, let him come.” These statements underscore the complexity of the situation and the uncertainty in relations between Ukraine and Russia regarding future talks. The diplomatic impasse over a meeting venue reflects the deep-seated tensions and lack of trust that have characterized the conflict since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Consequently, the situation remains tense, and it is still unclear whether negotiations will proceed, or in what format they might be held. The potential next round of talks could become a significant step in seeking paths toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The mutual proposals for meetings indicate a desire from both sides to engage in dialogue; however, the existing differences cast doubt on the feasibility and potential effectiveness of such encounters.