Zelensky says US wants Russia-Ukraine talks by end October

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that the United States aims to facilitate a new round of talks between Ukraine and Russia to conclude the four-and-a-half-year conflict before the end of October. The US-led peace initiatives have been hindered by Washington's focus on the ongoing war in Iran, and Ukraine reports that Russia has escalated its aerial assaults throughout the war-torn nation.

During a press conference, Zelensky stated that American negotiators had reached out to his team on Saturday, affirming Ukraine's readiness to support the timeline proposed by the US. Although he did not disclose the location of the negotiations, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine would consider hosting discussions proposed by the American side, including involvement from the UAE or other nations. The United Arab Emirates has previously hosted US-mediated talks aimed at ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this month, the Kremlin suggested that trilateral talks on ending the war could occur in October. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that they were open to such a possibility and were discussing the future. However, past negotiations have not resulted in significant progress, as Russia remains unyielding in its maximalist demands for an end to the fighting.