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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the next round of trilateral talks with Ukraine, the US, and Russia could take place within a few days in Europe. Possible locations include Switzerland, Turkey, Austria, or the Vatican.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Zelensky clarified that the meeting has not been postponed even after the recent escalation involving Iran. It could be held on March 5–6, and he would prefer Geneva or another European city since the war is taking place on the continent. If Russia insists on a neutral location, Austria, the Vatican, or Turkey could be considered.
The president also noted that serious negotiations will begin only when the Russian army starts to shrink. He added that Ukraine seeks peace while simultaneously strengthening its defenses and using drones to compensate for manpower shortages.
Zelensky emphasized that Russia plans to mobilize around 400,000 new soldiers, but its army is effectively not growing — losses equal new recruits, bringing it close to crisis.
Background: Since the beginning of 2026, Ukraine has held several rounds of talks with Russia. The main unresolved issue remains control over the non-occupied territories of Donbas. Bloomberg sources report that the next round on March 4–5 could be decisive. Reuters previously mentioned the possibility of reaching a peace agreement as early as March this year.
