Next Ukraine-Russia-US talks could shift to Europe, Zelenskyy says

The next round of trilateral peace negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States could take place within days in Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Corriere della Sera. Possible venues include Switzerland, Türkiye, Austria, or the Vatican, RBC-Ukraine reports.

“No one postponed the next trilateral meeting with Americans, even after the attack on Iran. It could take place on March 5 or 6. Perhaps it will not be in Abu Dhabi. I would prefer Geneva, or at least Europe, because war is taking place on our continent,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that if Russia prefers a neutral location, Austria, the Vatican, or Türkiye could also be suitable. Ukraine is also hoping for an increase in prisoner exchanges in the near future.

Zelenskyy stressed that serious negotiations will only begin once the Russian army begins to shrink.

“In fact, we seek dialogue. We want peace. At the same time, we are trying to be strong, we are producing technical resources and more drones to compensate for the shortage of soldiers. We are diversifying forms of warfare that allow us to resist,” he said.

According to Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to mobilize 400,000 new troops, but the Russian army has stopped growing. Losses are equal to recruitment, and the force is approaching a crisis.

“Serious negotiations will begin when his army starts to shrink,” Zelenskyy concluded.

Since the start of 2026, Ukraine has held several rounds of talks with Russia, with the control of non-occupied territories in Donbas remaining unresolved.

On the military front, Zelenskyy reported significant progress during Ukraine’s winter-spring counteroffensive in the south.

“We have regained 460 square kilometers since the beginning of the year,” he said, highlighting the advances made by Ukrainian forces.

By Vafa Guliyeva