Umerov explored leader-level talks in U.S. push to end Russia’s war
Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard a report from Rustem Umerov on his trip to the United States. (Photo: President’s Office)
Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary
Rustem Umerov discussed possible formats for leader-level talks and
negotiations to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine during meetings in
the United States, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy said the United States and Ukraine remain in
regular contact over prisoner exchanges with Russia.
“We continue to communicate with representatives of the
United States almost every day. Today, Rustem Umerov reported on the results of
his meetings with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. It is important that America
remains engaged in diplomacy and, in particular, has acted as a mediator on the
issue of prisoner exchanges. Contacts are continuing at the necessary level to
agree on the structure of the exchange. The lists have been submitted, and we
expect the American side to be active in helping carry out this agreement,” the
president said.
Zelenskyy said possible formats for leader-level meetings
and negotiations to end the full-scale war Russia launched against Ukraine were
discussed in the United States.
“Separately and in detail, Rustem reported on contacts with
countries interested in Drone Deals with Ukraine. About 20 countries are
already involved at various stages: four agreements have already been signed,
and the first contracts are being prepared under those agreements. Preparatory
procedures are continuing with other countries for political agreements that
will clear the way for business deals. Ukraine has already been guaranteed the
first energy results from these agreements — the fuel supply Ukraine’s market
needs is being secured. There will also be significant financial results,”
Zelenskyy added.
On May 9, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of
refusing to carry out a prisoner exchange.
Later, Suspilne, citing a source in the President’s Office,
reported that Putin’s claim that Ukraine had refused a prisoner exchange was
untrue and that work on a 1,000-for-1,000 exchange was continuing.
Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin,
said Russia had agreed to a May 9–11 ceasefire and a prisoner exchange with
Ukraine.
He said the Kremlin also agreed to a 1,000-for-1,000
prisoner exchange during the same phone talks with the White House.
Ushakov also claimed that President Donald Trump’s
initiative on the ceasefire and prisoner exchange was tied specifically to May
9.
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