Zelensky proposes US delegation visit as alternative to trilateral talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited a US negotiation delegation to Kyiv, presenting the move as an alternative to a planned trilateral meeting with Moscow.

Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy suggested that the American delegation could first visit Kyiv before traveling to Moscow, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“If a three-way meeting isn’t possible, negotiations can be conducted sequentially,” he said, noting that logistical challenges in arranging direct talks are linked to travel restrictions on US representatives amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Beyond diplomatic arrangements, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for advanced US missile defence systems, specifically THAAD. He highlighted that such systems could substantially reduce the threat posed by Russian aerial bombs, offering protection over a range of up to 200 kilometres.

“Ukraine already has experience working with representatives from the Middle East and Persian Gulf in consultations and expertise. At the same time, we want to rely on the anti-ballistic systems available to these countries, but not to us. This specifically includes THAAD and other systems. These systems are not present in Europe either. It is very important that they are in Ukraine. Then, for example, the threat of Russian aerial bombs would simply not exist in Ukraine. At a minimum, we would completely neutralize this threat over a distance of 200 kilometres,” Zelenskyy said.

By Vafa Guliyeva