WASHINGTON – Two additional countries are expressing interest in facilitating discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia have joined European nations like Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Turkey in this endeavor after a meeting with Yermak on Tuesday and Wednesday, which is meant to set the stage for talks between the leaders.
“President Zelensky is typically open to discussing all matters, but he is keen on having these conversations in a proper setting,” Yermak stated. “We have numerous potential locations for hosting: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Italy, the Vatican, Switzerland, Austria, and Turkey.”
“We need to evaluate our options, make a decision, and demonstrate our political will,” he added.
Yermak is set to fly to New York on Thursday to introduce Kyiv Star, a Ukrainian telecommunications company, to NASDAQ. He’ll also have a brief meeting with the special presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, who has been engaging with the Russian side in the negotiations regarding the conflict.
“I intend to have a quick meeting just to provide updates and address some concerns,” Yermak mentioned. “There hasn’t been any signal indicating readiness for talks since [then].” He noted, “Every day, [Russian Foreign Minister Sergey] Lavrov and others make provocative statements.”
Kiev is liaising with world leaders to secure an agreement from the Kremlin for a meeting between the two presidents, and aims to establish a security framework akin to NATO’s assurances for postwar Ukraine.
Lavrov indicated on August 19 that the Kremlin would consider a “1+1” or “1+2” format, which could involve discussions that included Putin, Zelensky, and possibly Trump.
“We are open to any format, whether bilateral or trilateral,” a senior Russian official told VGTRK, a state-run broadcasting service in Moscow.
However, just days later, during an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Lavrov questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy as Ukraine’s leader, referring to him as “the de facto leader of the administration.” This insinuation suggested that Moscow would not recognize any peace agreements signed by Zelensky.
Lavrov argued that Putin would only contemplate elevating the delegation’s status from his earlier stance in Istanbul if specific conditions were met.
In a notable concession from Russia, Putin has agreed to allow NATO-like security guarantees from the US and Europe for Ukraine as part of a deal to end the conflict.
Nonetheless, a Kremlin spokesperson stated on Wednesday that Russia would never endorse the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine.
“We have a negative view of the concept of deploying European troops in Ukraine,” said Dmitry Peskov, emphasizing that military presence from any specific country, particularly NATO members, has been a root cause of the ongoing conflict.
As the Kremlin has shifted its stance since the promises made during a summit in Alaska, Zelensky’s top advisors express the need to feel “pressure” from Russia regarding Trump’s readiness to act.
“We’re working to remain attentive and support American officials,” Yermak explained. “We had a productive meeting at the White House, alongside both bilateral and European leaders, but we must continue our work with partners to secure safety.”
“Yet, I’m uncertain if, without this immediate pressure, Russia will really change,” he pondered.
He further stated, “People are asking about their next steps. Unfortunately, the war continues. I hope President Trump will maintain his stance.”
Reports suggest that the US is prepared to provide “intelligent assets” and “battlefield monitoring” as part of the proposed postwar security plan agreed upon by Putin and Zelensky.
European and Ukrainian officials have informed the Financial Times that the US will also engage in the European-led air defense initiative established in Ukraine.
Citing this outlet, European authorities acknowledge that troop deployment from Europe would only be feasible if the US oversees peacekeeping efforts and provides protection for ground forces.
