The diplomatic process aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine has stalled since the beginning of the Iran war, which Kyiv claims only “bolsters Russia’s confidence”.
After a few rounds of trilateral talks between the US, Ukraine and Russia, the diplomatic process aimed at putting an end to Moscow’s full-scale invasion has largely stalled with no clear progress in sight.
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Kyiv’s delegation returned from two days of meetings in Miami with few tangible results, following what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as a discussion over “the key points, opportunities and challenges”.
“The most important thing is to work out security guarantees in such a way that they bring us closer to ending the war. Security is the key to peace.”
US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff stated on Sunday that the “constructive” US-Ukrainian talks focused on humanitarian efforts and on establishing a durable and dependable security framework for Ukraine.
In the bigger picture, Kyiv sees it as critically important to continue the dialogue with the US and demonstrate to Washington that it is not Ukraine that is an obstacle to a peace solution.
With the beginning of the Iran war on 28 February, US President Donald Trump’s focus has significantly shifted to the situation in the Middle East.
“The geopolitical situation has become more complicated due to the war against Iran, and this, unfortunately, bolsters Russia’s confidence,” Zelenskyy said on Tuesday, adding that “the fundamental circumstances have not changed”.
“Russia is continuing this war and destabilisation in Europe, supporting the Iranian regime with intelligence data and thereby prolonging the war in that region, as well as preparing for new conflicts in the coming years.”
According to Ukrainian outlets, the US officials are again increasing pressure on Kyiv to withdraw its troops from the Donetsk region as part of a potential settlement.
Washington warned the Ukrainian delegation that it could step back from mediation efforts if no progress is achieved, prioritising military operations against Iran instead, reports claim.
Kyiv insists that the most sensitive issues, including Ukraine’s territories, can only be discussed in a direct meeting between Zelenskyy, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Meetings at the leadership level are needed to truly resolve these issues," Zelenskyy said.
But Moscow is still rejecting this possibility as it continues attacking Ukraine.
Moscow troops intensified ground assaults along the front lines, signalling the start of Russia’s spring offensive. At the same time, Moscow launched yet another massive aerial attack against Ukraine on Tuesday.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia attacked with 392 drones, mostly Shahed-type, seven Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missiles, 18 Kh-101 cruise missiles, five Iskander-K cruise missiles, and four X-59/69/31 guided air-to-ground missiles.