Zelensky Voices Frustration Over Postponed Talks, Urges Pressure on Russia

By: Shawn
‎Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced frustration over delays in peace negotiations, saying the ongoing conflict involving Iran has slowed progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.
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‎According to Zelensky, a key three-way meeting involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, originally planned for next week, has been postponed following a request from the White House. He explained that Washington indicated it could only participate in discussions held on its own territory due to the situation in Iran, while Russia declined to travel to the US.
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‎Zelensky criticizes delayed Ukraine peace talks and calls for stronger US pressure on Russia as the Iran conflict disrupts diplomacy efforts.
‎AFP via Getty Images
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‎Despite this reluctance, Zelensky noted that Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev recently traveled to Florida, where he met with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump.
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‎The Ukrainian leader expressed clear dissatisfaction with the stalled negotiations, describing the situation in local media as resembling a “soap opera.” He also emphasized growing fatigue among Ukrainians during an interview with Politico Europe, urging the US to shift its approach.
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‎“I trust that Americans really want to finish with this war. I hope that they will help us, but we need more pressure on Russia, not on me,” Zelensky said, calling for stronger action directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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‎Zelensky further pointed out that Ukraine has yet to receive a definitive response regarding US-supported security guarantees that would follow any potential end to hostilities.
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‎Meanwhile, violence on the ground has continued. Overnight attacks by Russian forces left at least eight civilians dead and 46 others injured across Ukraine. The country’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 430 drones alongside 68 missiles.
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‎Zelensky stated that energy infrastructure in the Kyiv region was the primary target, but confirmed that residential buildings, schools, and civilian businesses were also hit.
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‎He warned that Russia could take advantage of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to intensify destruction within Ukraine and across Europe.
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‎The most recent round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States took place on February 16 in Geneva.

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