The United States has proposed a possible new format for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia that would involve American and potentially European representatives, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday.
He noted that Kyiv will decide whether to accept this format after evaluating the outcome of renewed bilateral talks with U.S. negotiators, which resumed on Friday.
Zelenskiy said the United States plans to hold separate discussions with Russian officials and suggested a broader framework that could include Ukraine, the U.S., Russia, and European representatives.
He added that he intends to discuss the proposal with Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov.
U.S. negotiators were expected to meet Russian officials in Florida on Saturday.
Ukraine and Russia have not held direct talks since July, but U.S.-supported shuttle diplomacy has increased in recent weeks as efforts intensify to end the nearly four-year war.
On Friday, Ukrainian and European officials met with U.S. counterparts and agreed to continue discussions, according to Umerov.
Reuters/ Victoria Ibanga