Despite the intensification of diplomatic contacts, the negotiation process remains extremely complex and multi-level. Ukraine, the United States and allies are trying to agree on positions on security guarantees and peace conditions. At the same time, Russia is demonstrating its readiness to continue military pressure, which makes it difficult to reach agreements. Against this background, the expected visits and new rounds of negotiations may become decisive for the further development of events.
Zelenskyy announced a decrease in support for Ukraine due to the US war with Iran
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky statedthat the US and Israel’s war against Iran could negatively affect the level of support for Ukraine in its confrontation with Russia. According to him, Washington’s attention is already shifting to the Middle East, which creates risks for the supply of military assistance to Kyiv.
“We must admit that we are not a priority today. That is why I am afraid that a prolonged war against Iran will give us less support,” the head of state said.
The president also stressed Ukraine’s critical need for Patriot missiles for air defense systems, which, he said, are being supplied in insufficient quantities. He added that Kyiv is trying to offset these risks through cooperation with Middle Eastern countries, offering them experience in combating drones in exchange for military assistance. Zelensky also said that Russia is benefiting economically from the situation, in particular through the easing of sanctions on its oil. Separately, he reported that Ukrainian forces are holding back the enemy's intensified spring offensive and do not consider territorial concessions as an option.
Rutte to visit Washington for talks with Trump
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will pay an official visit to the United States, where he plans to meet with President Donald Trump. The visit will last from April 8 to 12 and also includes talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The meeting will take place against the backdrop of tense discussions about the US role in the Alliance and possible changes in approaches to security.
In addition to the talks, Rutte will give a public speech in Washington and take part in international discussions. He will also join the Bilderberg meeting, where global security issues will be discussed. The visit comes against the backdrop of Donald Trump's statements about a possible review of US participation in NATO, which is causing concern among allies. The key topics of the talks are expected to be support for Ukraine and the role of the Alliance in the face of new global challenges.
The American delegation may visit Kyiv after Easter
A US delegation led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may arrive in Ukraine after April 12. This was reported by the head of the Presidential Office, Kirill Budanov, reported that the visit is being considered as part of further negotiations. According to him, the delegation may also include Senator Lindsey Graham.
“Kushner, Witkoff, Graham – they are the ones who are being waited for. Who else will be there – we’ll see,” he said.
It is expected that during the visit the parties will discuss the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of new attacks by Russia. Budanov noted that some progress has already been made in this direction and Kyiv has a clear vision of the necessary conditions. He stressed that the results of the talks could influence the future security architecture. The Ukrainian side expects that the dialogue with the US will allow for the consolidation of more specific support mechanisms.
Zelensky called the talks with the US positive, but Russia responded with strikes
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky statedthat the latest talks with the US side are positive in nature and can contribute to the end of the war. He reported on remote consultations with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Senator Lindsey Graham. “This is exactly what can pave the way for a reliable end to the war,” he noted.
At the same time, Russia responded to the Easter truce proposal with new attacks, using hundreds of drones, including the Shahed type. Zelensky stressed that such actions indicate Moscow’s unwillingness to move towards peace. He also reported on coordination with international partners, including the Prime Minister of Great Britain, on further steps. Ukraine insists on stopping attacks on energy infrastructure as a prerequisite for advancing diplomacy.
Budanov said peace talks are promising despite the complexity of the process
Head of the Presidential Office Kirill Budanov statedthat peace talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia remain difficult, but have prospects. According to him, the conflict is one of the most difficult in the world due to the duration of the war and the intertwining of interests of leading powers.
“Therefore, it is absolutely unrealistic to resolve this issue just like that. At the same time, to say that peace talks have no meaning and have no prospects would also be untrue,” he noted.
Budanov stressed that Ukraine expects further steps, including a possible visit of the American delegation to Kyiv. He emphasized that it is not the process of the negotiations itself that is important, but their result. At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelensky also stated that the negotiations have not reached a dead end and may continue in the near future. The Ukrainian side continues daily coordination with partners to determine the format and location of the next meetings.
Photo: Photos: Novyny.LIVE
Author: Danylo Pievchev