Zelensky reported that he agreed to the proposed dates for negotiations, but it has not yet been established whether Russia will participate in the meeting in the USA.
According to Bloomberg, the main topic of the upcoming discussions will be the complex issue of territories. In particular, it is expected that the delegations will consider the U.S. initiative to create a free economic zone in Donbas as a buffer. However, according to the Ukrainian president, both sides are skeptical about this idea.
“Neither side is pleased with the concept of a free economic zone — neither the Russians nor us. We hold different views on this issue. We agreed to present our visions of how this could look at the next meeting,” Zelensky noted in a comment to Bloomberg.
Earlier, Russia, Ukraine, and the USA held two rounds of negotiations in Abu Dhabi: the first took place on January 23-24, and the second on February 4-5. After the conclusion of the second round, the sides exchanged prisoners — 157 for 157.
Zelensky also added that during the last round, mechanisms for a ceasefire and U.S. control over its enforcement were discussed. However, the details of these issues remained unresolved without a high-level political decision and due to differences in the wording used by the parties.
TASS, citing a "Western source in Abu Dhabi," noted that Moscow hopes for official recognition of Russia's sovereignty over Donbas as part of a "big deal." Ukraine had previously stated that the issue of territories could only be resolved on the condition of a personal meeting between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin.
The President of Ukraine also reported that the USA is eager to resolve the conflict before the summer begins, as after that they will have other priorities related to the Congressional elections.
