Zelenskyy signals major shift toward trilateral talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is moving toward a possible trilateral format for negotiations with Russia, suggesting a potential shift in Ukraine’s previous position on the participation of European countries.

“We are moving, in my view, moving toward a trilateral format of negotiations. Here I cannot disclose all the details; we agreed with the American side that we should prepare all this among ourselves first, and then communicate it to the public,” Zelenskyy told journalists in audio messages.

Ukraine had previously insisted that European representatives be present at the negotiating table, while European countries have likewise pushed for their participation. A move to a trilateral format involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States would therefore represent a significant change in Kyiv’s stated position.

Zelenskyy also maintained that Ukraine currently holds a strong negotiating position.

“Ukraine has a strong negotiating position. Russia has many losses and few gains,” he said.

The Ukrainian president said the recent visit to Kyiv by US President Donald Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, demonstrated that Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and at the negotiating table had strengthened.

“A visit to Kyiv is a signal not only of political support. It is a signal that Ukraine has become stronger on the battlefield. Ukraine’s negotiating position has become stronger. By the way, the American side is also saying this. Their military and analysts recognize this. And this is a fact. Since the end of 2025, we have been strengthening our position on the battlefield. Russia has many losses and few gains,” Zelenskyy said.

By Vafa Guliyeva