Zelenskiy Open to US-Backed Three-Way Talks with Russia for Lasting Peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed willingness to participate in US-backed three-way talks with Russia, provided they lead to significant progress in exchanging prisoners and paving the way for meetings between national leaders. Speaking in Kyiv, Zelenskiy said the US proposal for trilateral talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia at the level of national security advisers could be a positive step towards resolving the conflict. The talks, which were initially scheduled for Saturday, will focus on Ukraine's post-war recovery and rebuilding efforts. Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev was in Miami for separate talks with US officials. Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to its principles, including maintaining control over the industrial region of Donbas in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian president also welcomed a US proposal to create a 'free economic zone' in eastern Ukraine, but stressed that the decision should be made by the Ukrainian people. Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine and its European allies should continue to support the US-led peace talks, but if they fail, alternative options will be explored. The comments come amid suggestions by French President Emmanuel Macron that Europe may need to re-engage in direct talks with Russia if the US-led efforts stall. Zelenskiy's comments reflect a cautious optimism about the prospects for peace talks, but also underscore Ukraine's determination to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US-backed shuttle diplomacy has intensified in recent weeks, with Ukraine and Russia last negotiating face-to-face in July. The conflict has dragged on for nearly four years, and a lasting resolution remains elusive.