Zelensky Discusses Next Ukraine-Russia Talks With US Officials

MADRID/KYIV, Nov 5 (Bernama-dpa) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has discussed preparations for the next round of talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi with US officials during a visit to Madrid, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Zelensky said on Wednesday that he had spoken by phone with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

The talks must move forward to bring the war to an end quickly, Zelensky said, according to his office in Kyiv. Ukraine was ready to take the necessary steps, he added, saying it had already submitted its proposals to the US side.

"Peace has no alternative, and postwar security guarantees must be truly cast-iron. We are working to make this happen," Zelensky said.

The trilateral meeting, with the United States acting as mediator between Ukraine and Russia, is set to resume a diplomatic process that was interrupted in February. The talks are scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates capital on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Expectations of a breakthrough remain low, however, as Moscow has so far shown no willingness to abandon its goal of subjugating Ukraine.

Zelensky also welcomed talks held in Brussels on Wednesday on the future reconstruction of his war-damaged country. Germany, France, Britain, the US, the European Union, NATO, the World Bank and Ukraine took part.

Security guarantees for Ukraine will be discussed in Brussels on Thursday, Zelensky said.

During his visit to Spain, the focus is on defence cooperation, air defence and protecting civilians, the Ukrainian president added.

-- BERNAMA-dpa