Zelensky Open to Trilateral Security Talks with U.S. and Russia, Cites Hope for Prisoner Exchanges

Kyiv, Dec 2025 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed cautious support for the idea of a trilateral meeting involving the national security advisors of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. Speaking about the proposal, Zelensky acknowledged that while he is unsure whether the talks would produce major breakthroughs, he remains optimistic about the potential humanitarian outcomes they may generate.

The proposal was initiated by the United States and relayed to Zelensky by Ukraine’s chief peace negotiator and National Security Advisor, Rustem Umerov. According to reports from Interfax-Ukraine, via Xinhua news agency, Zelensky said he views the meeting as an opportunity worth pursuing, particularly if it could secure the release of more Ukrainian prisoners.

Reflecting on past diplomatic efforts, Zelensky pointed to previous negotiations in Türkiye, which resulted in the return of captured soldiers and civilians. He stressed that such outcomes demonstrate why dialogue, even under difficult circumstances, remains necessary. “I am very glad that we had exchanges. Our people, our military, primarily prisoners, returned home. And civilians. And therefore we need to take such steps,” he said.

Zelensky added that he fully supports the U.S. proposal if it leads to prisoner exchanges or other humanitarian agreements. “If the results are exchanges or some other agreements, I cannot be against it,” he stated, affirming Ukraine’s willingness to participate and monitor how developments unfold.

However, Zelensky highlighted several issues that continue to impede broader progress in peace negotiations. The unresolved matters include territorial disputes, control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and long-term financial support for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.

On the diplomatic front, the trilateral meeting is expected to include U.S. representatives—former U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner—while Russia will likely be represented by President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Umerov is also scheduled to hold a separate meeting with the U.S. delegation in Miami or another U.S. location.

Meanwhile, officials from the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine reported significant progress during recent talks in Berlin, where they reached consensus—or narrowed differences—on 90 percent of issues outlined in a 20-point U.S. draft peace proposal.

Team Maverick

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)