Zelensky: formats for leader-level talks to end the war discussed in the US

Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov held meetings in the United States with presidential special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, after which he reported to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing Zelensky’s statement on Telegram.

According to the president, the meetings covered possible formats for leader-level meetings and negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. The parties also agreed to intensify the diplomatic process of peace talks.

The topic of prisoner exchanges occupied a separate place in the negotiations. Zelensky stressed that the United States acted as a mediator on this issue.

“It is important that America remains engaged in diplomacy and, in particular, has acted as a mediator on the prisoner exchange issue. Contacts are continuing at the necessary level to agree on the configuration of the exchange. The lists have been handed over, and we expect the American side to be active in ensuring the implementation of this agreement,” Zelensky said.

Umerov also reported on Ukraine’s international contacts regarding the development of the Drone Deals initiative. According to Zelensky, around 20 countries are already involved at various stages: four agreements have been signed, under which the first contracts are being prepared, while preparatory procedures for political arrangements that will “open the way for business” are continuing with the remaining countries.

Under these arrangements, Ukraine is already seeing first results in the area of energy security, particularly regarding fuel supplies. Additional financial inflows are also expected. Zelensky announced an expansion of Drone Deals cooperation to new regions of the world, which will be announced in the near future.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated his readiness to send an American delegation to Moscow for talks on the war in Ukraine.