“War must end”: Zelenskyy on new round of talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the next round of trilateral talks is likely to take place in early March in Abu Dhabi. The main goal, he said, is to finalize agreements on concrete security guarantees and prepare a meeting between the leaders.

He said this in his evening address on February 26.

Zelenskyy added that he had held consultations throughout the day with National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, parliamentary faction leader Davyd Arakhamia, and representatives of the U.S. President — Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — following their meetings earlier that day.

“I spoke several times today with Rustem Umerov, Davyd Arakhamia, and representatives of the President of the United States — Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — following their meetings earlier today. There is already greater readiness for the next trilateral format. Most likely, the next meeting will take place in the UAE, specifically in Abu Dhabi. We expect the format to be held in early March. It is necessary to finalize everything that has been achieved for real security guarantees and prepare a meeting at the level of leaders. This format can resolve many issues,” he said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ending the war is directly linked to Russia’s position and the level of international pressure.

“The war must be brought to an end — this is our position, the position of Ukraine and of all our partners. But unfortunately, everyone now sees that Russia is not ready for peace, and there is no sign that Putin is stopping his war machine. On the contrary, he is preparing to continue the war, and the world must be ready to put pressure on Russia to change this,” he said.

The president stresses that sanctions against Russia’s energy and banking sectors remain an effective tool of influence. The world must intensify pressure, particularly on Russian oil and other energy resources, to force the aggressor to halt the war.

“Global sanctions must work towards this — towards a genuine and lasting peace. Of course, with both America and Europe we are discussing each format of pressure and diplomacy that can truly work. It is very important that partners remain sufficiently resolute. Today I gave the team the following directives on what we must achieve,” Zelenskyy said.