Ukrainian Negotiators Head to US for High-Stakes Talks with Biden Administration

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a team of Ukrainian negotiators traveled to the United States on Saturday to discuss an American plan for ending the war with Russia. The move signals a potential shift toward serious diplomatic efforts as both sides face mounting pressure to find a resolution to the nearly three-year conflict.

Zelensky said his negotiators left for Washington seeking what he called "peace with dignity" and a swift end to the war. The delegation is led by former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who now serves as a key advisor to the Ukrainian leadership.

Writing on X, Zelensky outlined the mission's clear objective: "reaching the necessary steps to end the war quickly and effectively." He emphasized that Ukraine believes it's "completely realistic" to finalize these steps in the coming days to determine how the war can end while preserving dignity.

The Ukrainian president stressed that Kyiv has been discussing "the most constructive approach possible" with Washington. He repeated that Ukraine is working toward "peace with dignity" - a phrase that suggests any agreement must meet certain conditions that don't compromise Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity.

This diplomatic push comes as both Ukraine and Russia face significant military and economic pressures. Ukraine has been pushing for stronger Western support while dealing with ongoing attacks on its infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia's economy continues to strain under international sanctions, and both sides have suffered heavy casualties.

The timing is also significant given recent changes in the international political landscape. The negotiations suggest that key players, including the United States, may be more actively seeking diplomatic solutions after nearly three years of conflict that has reshaped European security and global grain markets.

Zelensky is also scheduled to visit Paris on Monday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to a French official. This indicates a broader European diplomatic effort running parallel to the US discussions.