Translated material
Zelensky: a new round of negotiations could take place on February 17 or 18
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky accepted Washington’s offer to hold a new round of negotiations in the United States to end the war with Russia. He spoke about this in an interview with Bloomberg.
According to Zelensky, the meeting could take place next week, on February 17 or 18. However, it is unclear whether Russia will agree to negotiations in the United States. According to Bloomberg, during the next meeting it is planned to discuss the US proposal to create a free economic zone in Donbass.
Zelensky noted that both Ukraine and Russia are skeptical about this idea. “Neither side is enthusiastic about the idea of a free economic zone - neither the Russians nor us. We have different views on this issue. And the agreement was as follows - let’s return to discussing what this might look like at the next meeting,” the Ukrainian president said.
Previously, the delegations of Ukraine, Russia and the United States had already met twice in Abu Dhabi, negotiations were held behind closed doors. According to Zelensky, at the last meeting in the UAE, negotiators focused on the mechanisms of the ceasefire and how the United States would monitor its compliance. At the same time, he noted that the negotiators were unable to agree on the details “without making political decisions at a higher level.”
The next round of negotiations could be devoted to proposals for post-war planning and a more detailed consideration of economic issues, Zelensky added. In this regard, the Ukrainian delegation will include Minister of Economy Alexey Sobolev.
Zelensky: a new round of negotiations could take place on February 17 or 18