Ukraine ready for US-backed talks with Russia: Zelenskyy

What the report says

Ukraine is prepared to join U.S.-backed trilateral talks with Russia this month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday, according to Al Jazeera. He made the remarks in Kyiv while appearing alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and said Ukraine supports a quick return to negotiations aimed at ending the war, which has lasted more than four and a half years.

Zelenskyy said the United States is now pressing for technical-level discussions by the end of October after earlier ceasefire efforts were slowed when Washington shifted attention to the war with Iran. He said the United Arab Emirates could again host the meeting, or talks could take place in another country proposed by the U.S. He also said Washington has been communicating with Moscow about the plan.

Al Jazeera reported that the Kremlin said last month it did not rule out three-way talks this month. At the same time, both sides have continued to signal readiness to intensify long-range strikes. Zelenskyy accused Russia of escalating attacks and targeting civilian infrastructure, including communications and energy-related facilities, as winter approaches.

The report also noted that India says it wants to play a larger mediating role, including on Black Sea shipping, grain and energy issues. The broader significance is that diplomatic activity appears to be resuming even as the war continues and battlefield pressure remains high.