Ukraine has requested the United States to consider postponing and potentially relocating the next round of trilateral peace talks with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced.

“The next Ukraine–U.S.–Russia trilateral meeting was planned for the period from March 5 to 9, depending on developments around the world. Currently, there is another war in the Middle East,” Zelenskiy said on X.

The talks, mediated by the United States in Geneva, aim to advance negotiations between Ukraine and Russia over the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. Zelenskiy’s statement indicates that global security developments, particularly the escalating Middle East crisis, have influenced Ukraine’s scheduling and logistical considerations for these diplomatic discussions.

Talks with the Gulf States

Zelenskiy also spoke with Gulf leaders about the escalating Iran conflict, holding discussions on Wednesday with the king of Bahrain and the crown prince of Kuwait. He noted that talks included other regional partners, including Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the broad concern over the crisis.

In addition, the Ukrainian president confirmed that his administration remains in daily contact with the U.S., and that once the security situation around Iran permits, trilateral talks with Moscow and Washington on a settlement of the war with Russia would resume.

“Partners are turning to us, to Ukraine, asking for help in defending against shaheds. There have also been requests from the American side,” Zelenskiy said, referring to Iranian-style drones similar to those used by Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war.