What's happened
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy suggested trilateral talks with the US and Russia, but both Moscow and Kyiv expressed skepticism. Russian officials deny negotiations are underway, while US mediators gather in Miami. The last direct talks occurred in July, with little progress toward ending the conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The current diplomatic efforts highlight the deep mistrust between Russia and Ukraine, compounded by European involvement which Moscow argues complicates negotiations. Zelenskyy's proposal for trilateral talks reflects a desire for direct engagement, yet skepticism from Moscow and the limited progress of past talks suggest these efforts will face significant hurdles. The US's role as mediator is likely to intensify, but the prospects for a breakthrough remain slim in the near term. The ongoing Russian drone and missile attacks, particularly on southern Ukraine, underscore the fragile ceasefire prospects and the difficulty of diplomatic progress amid ongoing hostilities.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that Russian officials deny any serious discussion of trilateral talks, emphasizing that no negotiations are currently in preparation. The New Arab details the gathering of Ukrainian, European, and US diplomats in Miami, noting the strained relations and Moscow's objections to European involvement. The Moscow Times echoes these points, highlighting the last direct talks in Istanbul and the skepticism about progress, while also mentioning Moscow's openness to dialogue with Macron. All sources agree that mistrust and ongoing attacks hinder diplomatic breakthroughs, with Zelenskyy citing recent Russian drone and missile strikes as evidence of the conflict's persistence.
How we got here
Tensions have persisted since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Previous negotiations, including a July meeting in Istanbul, resulted in prisoner exchanges but failed to produce a comprehensive peace agreement. The US has shown interest in facilitating dialogue, but mistrust remains high among the involved parties.
Go deeper
- Why do Moscow and Kyiv remain skeptical about talks?
- What role is the US playing in mediating the conflict?
- How might ongoing attacks affect diplomatic efforts?
Common question
-
Why Are the US and Russia Avoiding Direct Talks About Ukraine?
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to complex diplomatic tensions, with the US and Russia seemingly avoiding direct negotiations. Despite calls for dialogue, both sides remain cautious, citing mistrust and ongoing hostilities. This page explores why direct talks are scarce, what efforts are underway in places like Florida, and how these diplomatic moves could shape the future of the Ukraine war. If you're wondering about the current state of negotiations and what obstacles remain, read on for clear answers.
More on these topics
-
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
-
Kirill A. Dmitriev is the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, a $10 billion sovereign wealth fund created by the Russian government to co-invest in the Russian economy alongside the sovereign wealth funds of other countries.