Ukraine engaged with Russia only on humanitarian issues, not peace talks — official says

Ukraine is not currently engaged in negotiations with Russia aimed at ending the ongoing war, National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov stated.

Umerov clarified that ongoing dialogue between the two nations is strictly limited to humanitarian concerns—primarily the release and exchange of prisoners of war, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

When asked whether any peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are underway, Umerov stated unequivocally: “At the moment, we are continuing with the humanitarian part, where we are releasing and exchanging prisoners of war.”

His comments come amid renewed international efforts to facilitate dialogue. European leaders, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, recently visited Washington to engage in a series of diplomatic meetings with US officials, including President Donald Trump. These meetings, both bilateral and trilateral in format, focused on charting potential next steps toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

“So, at this stage, I think we are waiting when the trilateral and bilateral meetings will be done,” Umerov added.

On August 18, US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, marking a high-level diplomatic engagement centered on the war in Ukraine. The two leaders were later joined by representatives from European nations, underscoring the transatlantic commitment to a coordinated approach.

By Vafa Guliyeva