Zelenskyy names two countries Ukraine rejects for talks with Russia and the U.S.

“We are ready to meet, and I have said this repeatedly: in any format, in any place, except Russia and Belarus,” he said.

Zelenskyy also stressed that trilateral talks are currently on hold as the United States is focused on Iran.

“This is understandable, but we very much want no one to forget about Russia’s war against Ukraine,” the president said.

According to him, a trilateral meeting will take place “when both sides — Russia and the United States — are able to meet with us.”

“As of today, the United States has proposed meeting in the U.S., we supported it, and Russia said it would not meet in America. Russia proposed Turkey or Switzerland, I don’t remember, three weeks have passed. The United States said its negotiating team is currently not leaving the country,” Zelenskyy said.

The head of state stressed that Ukraine is ready to support a meeting in the United States, Switzerland or Turkey, “and wherever partners are ready.”

“Now the ball is in the court of the United States and Russia,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He also expressed hope that talks in the Ukraine-U.S.-Russia format could take place in the coming weeks.

On Feb. 18, another round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia concluded in Geneva, Switzerland. Zelenskyy said the talks were difficult, with progress only on military issues. In particular, the sides agreed on monitoring a ceasefire with U.S. participation.

On Feb. 23, Ukrainska Pravda, citing a diplomatic source, reported that at the next trilateral meeting Ukraine, the United States and Russia plan to discuss the management of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

On March 27, Zelenskyy said that dates for the next trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia have not yet been set.

On March 30, responding to journalists’ questions, Zelenskyy expressed confidence that the negotiation process has not reached a dead end.

“I do not believe we are at a dead end. A dead end — and then what should we all do? Surrender, relax? Let Russia surrender, we will not. We must organize a trilateral meeting and continue along the diplomatic track. At least do everything possible for this,” the president said.