 "Zelensky has previously said that the recent discussions with US also focused on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasising that the long-term security of Ukraine is the key to peace. File Photo/AFP")
As the war in Iran enters its fourth week, Ukraine feels that the shift of Washington’s focus from Eastern Europe to West Asia has strengthened Russia’s position, particularly due to stalled EU sanctions, a blocked €90 billion aid package, and eased US restrictions on Russian oil.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that continuous US support is critical to prevent Russia from entering potential negotiations from a position of increased power, amidst growing intelligence cooperation between Moscow and Iran.
The remarks came after a Ukrainian delegation attended a two-day meeting with officials from US President Donald Trump’s administration. According to a report in Kyiv Independent, the Ukrainian team briefed US officials on ‘focus areas, opportunities, and challenges,’ related to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Pressure on Kyiv
According to the report, US is increasingly putting pressure on Ukraine to withdraw its troops from Donetsk Oblast as part of a potential settlement with Russia. The Trump administration has also warned that it could step back from mediation efforts if no progress is achieved, signaling Washington’s reduced enthusiasm in the Ukraine peace process with more focus now on West Asia conflict.
The biggest roadblock in the peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine is their contention over the ceasefire line to be drawn. Ukraine maintains that freezing the current front line is the most realistic basis for a ceasefire at this stage of the war.
However, Russia continues to insist that Ukrainian forces withdraw from parts of Donbas as a precondition for any agreement- a demand Kyiv has rejected.
Peace talks
The last round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US took place on Feb. 16. A follow-up meeting was planned for late February, but it was rescheduled for early March. However, this too was postponed shortly before Washington launched strikes on Iran alongside Israel.
Since then the peace talks have been put on hold. There were hopes of revival of talks as soon as Trump announced a five-day pause on US attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure. However, the drone and missile attacks from both sides never went on a halt.
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View AllZelenskyy has previously said that the recent discussions with US also focused on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasising that the long-term security of Ukraine is the key to peace.
He added that a direct meeting involving himself, Putin, and Trump is necessary to unlock progress.