“A whole Santa Barbara”: Zelenskyy explains delays in peace talks

Preparations for talks on ending the war have turned into a complicated process marked by repeated delays and disputes over the location. The meeting planned for next week has been postponed at the request of the United States.

Zelenskyy said this in comments to a correspondent for Suspilne.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had shown maximum flexibility and confirmed its delegation was ready to travel to Washington or Miami. Russia suggested neutral venues such as Turkey or Switzerland, but the proposal was not approved by the United States.

“There is a whole "Santa Barbara" with these negotiations because of the war in the Middle East. The Americans said they were ready for the meeting, but only in America. The war and the security situation do not allow them to leave the territory of the United States right now,” Zelenskyy said.

The president stressed that the United States is organizing the meeting, meaning the final decision depends on Washington. Ukraine is ready to hold talks at any proposed location — including the U.S., Turkey, Switzerland or the United Arab Emirates.

“It depends on the Americans. They are organizing the meeting. We’re waiting for them,” Zelenskyy said.