Zelenskyy says Russia declined proposed U.S. meeting on Ukraine peace talks

Sunday 15 March 2026 - 17:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russia declined a proposal to hold a trilateral meeting in the United States aimed at discussing a possible settlement to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy explained that the idea of hosting negotiations on American soil had been suggested by the United States as part of efforts to advance diplomatic discussions between Ukraine and Russia. According to the Ukrainian leader, Kyiv signaled its readiness to participate in such a meeting, while Moscow reportedly declined the invitation.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian officials are now waiting for further updates from Washington regarding the next steps in the diplomatic process. He added that Ukraine remains open to holding talks in another location if it could help revive negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

The Ukrainian president also announced that his country is expected to receive a new air defense system from France in 2026, which will be tested as part of efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect its territory from aerial attacks.

During the briefing, Zelenskyy warned that global geopolitical developments could influence the situation in Ukraine. In particular, he noted that rising tensions in the Middle East might affect the level of international attention and military assistance directed toward Kyiv.

Ukraine has also shared its experience in countering Iranian-made drones with international partners, sending specialized teams to demonstrate defensive technologies and strategies developed during the war. Ukrainian authorities emphasized that such cooperation does not imply direct participation in conflicts outside their territory.

As the war continues, diplomatic initiatives remain uncertain, and international actors are still searching for ways to reduce tensions and open a path toward negotiations that could eventually lead to a lasting settlement.