НВ (Новое Время)

Negotiations to End War Between Russia and Ukraine Halted, Says Ushakov

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov recently announced that trilateral negotiations aimed at ending the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine have been 'halted.' Despite this pause, he noted that the aggressor country continues to maintain contacts with the American side, indicating some level of diplomatic engagement.

In a recent statement, Yuri Ushakov, assistant to the President of Russia, revealed that the trilateral negotiations intended to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine have been 'halted.' He emphasized that, despite the suspension of these talks, Russia continues to engage with American representatives, suggesting that diplomatic channels remain open.

Ushakov commented, 'Currently, there is a pause in the trilateral negotiations. We have contacts with the Americans, but we see that the Ukrainians are also actively negotiating with them. Right now, the American negotiators, we know who they are, are occupied with another, larger issue.' His remarks confirm that while formal negotiations have ceased, diplomatic efforts persist, albeit in a different format.

It is important to recall that on March 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the negotiation process had not reached a deadlock. He underscored that Ukraine would not surrender and highlighted that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are currently stronger than they were even six months ago. This statement reflects the determination of the Ukrainian leadership to continue the fight for the country's independence and territorial integrity.

Throughout January and February 2026, several rounds of trilateral meetings took place between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, focusing on issues related to ending the war. During one such meeting on February 5, the delegations reached an agreement on a prisoner exchange, marking a significant step towards addressing humanitarian concerns related to the conflict.

However, another trilateral meeting scheduled for early March in Abu Dhabi, UAE, was postponed indefinitely. This delay indicates that the situation remains tense, and the parties involved are unable to reach consensus on the next steps in the negotiations.

Additionally, the Kremlin is demanding that Kyiv make a swift decision regarding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas region. This statement was made by Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for the Russian dictator, highlighting the pressure Russia is exerting on Ukraine in the context of peace talks.

On March 27, Zelensky also confirmed that no dates have been set for the next trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. This lack of scheduling underscores the ongoing uncertainty and the unclear future of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.

Thus, the situation surrounding the trilateral negotiations remains complex and requires ongoing monitoring, as all parties strive to find a resolution to a conflict that has persisted for several years.