Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv’s negotiating team is travelling to the United States to continue discussions based on the Geneva framework, expressing confidence that both sides may soon settle on concrete steps toward a dignified, negotiated end to the war. In a message posted online, he said diplomacy remains fully active and that the U.S. is demonstrating a constructive approach, making it realistic to outline a roadmap for ending the conflict in the coming days. He added that the delegation has been given clear directives aligned with Ukraine’s priorities.
The team, led by National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umierov, is expected to present its full report to Zelenskyy on Sunday. The nine-member group also includes Defence Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, Security Service deputy head Vadym Poklad, and Armed Forces General Staff chief Andrii Hnatov, among other senior officials who will take part in the negotiations on Washington’s proposed peace plan. Zelenskyy also noted that preparations are underway for continued diplomatic engagement next week, with particular focus on strengthening Ukrainian air-defence systems—an area in which Kyiv continues to rely heavily on international support.
While Kyiv signals optimism, Moscow has reiterated its rejection of direct talks. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine’s government lacks legitimacy due to the absence of elections after the expiration of Zelenskyy’s term, insisting it is pointless to negotiate with the current leadership. Kyiv maintains that elections cannot legally or safely be held under martial law while the country remains under invasion.
Against this tense backdrop, Ukrainian authorities are pressing ahead with diplomacy in hopes of securing clear commitments from the United States to define mutually agreed-upon steps toward a negotiated and honourable end to the war.
