Ukraine ready for US-backed talks with Russia: Zelenskyy
News Source
β’Sun, 04 Oct 2026 17:17:42 +0000
π° What Happened
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country is ready for three-way talks with the United States and Russia this month. He spoke on Sunday at a news conference in Kyiv with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Zelenskyy said Ukraine supports a quick return to talks to try to end the war, now over four and a half years old.
US efforts to broker a ceasefire paused after Washington began its war on Iran. Washington is now pushing for technical-level talks by the end of October. Zelenskyy said the United Arab Emirates, which hosted earlier talks, could host again. He said Kyiv is open to meeting there or in another country the US suggests.
π The Backstory
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war has killed and wounded hundreds of thousands and forced millions from their homes. Earlier rounds of talks in Belarus and Turkey failed to bring peace. The US has sent Ukraine billions of dollars in weapons and aid.
A ceasefire push slowed after the US turned its attention to Iran. Both Russia and Ukraine say they will keep up long-range attacks despite talk of talks. Trust between the two sides remains very low.
π― Why It Matters
Any real talks could slow the fighting and lower global food and energy prices. Ukraine and Russia are major grain and energy exporters, so the war affects costs worldwide.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country is ready for three-way talks with the United States and Russia this month. He spoke on Sunday at a news conference in Kyiv with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Zelenskyy said Ukraine supports a quick return to talks to try to end the war, now over four and a half years old.
US efforts to broker a ceasefire paused after Washington began its war on Iran. Washington is now pushing for technical-level talks by the end of October. Zelenskyy said the United Arab Emirates, which hosted earlier talks, could host again. He said Kyiv is open to meeting there or in another country the US suggests.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war has killed and wounded hundreds of thousands and forced millions from their homes. Earlier rounds of talks in Belarus and Turkey failed to bring peace. The US has sent Ukraine billions of dollars in weapons and aid.
A ceasefire push slowed after the US turned its attention to Iran. Both Russia and Ukraine say they will keep up long-range attacks despite talk of talks. Trust between the two sides remains very low.
Any real talks could slow the fighting and lower global food and energy prices. Ukraine and Russia are major grain and energy exporters, so the war affects costs worldwide.