President Volodymyr Zelensky said preparations for a new round of peace negotiations with Russia have been delayed due to disagreements over where the talks should take place and logistical constraints linked to the security situation in the United States.
Speaking to journalists after a visit to France, Zelensky described the preparations as complicated, saying the negotiations had turned into what he called a “Santa Barbara” situation – a reference to the long-running television drama – amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The meeting had initially been expected to take place next week but was postponed at the request of the US, he said.
Dispute over location of negotiations
According to Ukrinform, the Ukrainian president explained the US side indicated it was ready to hold the meeting but preferred it take place on American territory because of security considerations.
“There is a whole ‘Santa Barbara’ with these negotiations because of the war in the Middle East,” Zelensky quipped.
“The Americans said they are ready for the meeting, but only in the United States, because the war and the security situation prevent them from leaving the territory.”
Ukraine confirmed it was prepared to travel to the US for the talks, with Zelensky adding the Ukrainian delegation could meet in either Miami or Washington.
Russia, however, declined to attend negotiations in the US and proposed alternative venues such as Turkey or Switzerland, Zelensky noted.
Washington did not support those options.
Ukraine says it is ready to meet anywhere
Zelensky said Kyiv remained open to holding the talks in multiple locations, stressing that Ukraine’s priority was to keep diplomatic efforts moving forward.
“We immediately said we are ready for the meeting next week,” he noted.
“We are preparing for a meeting in the United States, in Switzerland, in Turkey, and even, if they are not afraid, in the Emirates.”
The final decision on whether and where the talks will take place now depends on the United States, he added.
“They are the organizers of this meeting. We are waiting for them.”
Background of ongoing negotiations
Diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine have involved several rounds of trilateral peace talks between Kyiv, Washington and Moscow.
A recent round of negotiations took place in Geneva on Feb. 17 to 18, where delegations discussed practical issues and possible mechanisms for implementing a ceasefire.
Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council and head of the Ukrainian delegation, said discussions focused on practical questions and the mechanics of potential solutions.
Separate consultations were also held with representatives from the US, France, the UK, Germany, Italy and Switzerland to coordinate positions.
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff later described the talks as showing “significant progress,” saying both sides had agreed to brief their leaders and continue working toward a peace agreement.
Officials said discussions included both political and military tracks, including security parameters and possible monitoring mechanisms for a ceasefire.
Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran, however, diplomatic efforts surrounding the war in Ukraine have slowed as international attention shifted to the escalating Middle East conflict. The fighting began on Feb. 28 with coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, followed by Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region.
At the same time, Washington has recently lifted certain sanctions on Russian oil exports, a move that could increase Moscow’s energy revenues while diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine remain uncertain.