Zelenskyy outlines multi-track negotiations with US, Europe on security, economy

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is advancing parallel negotiation tracks with partners in Europe and the US, covering security guarantees, economic recovery, and ongoing diplomatic coordination to bring the war to an end.

Zelenskyy said he received several briefings from Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on the work of Ukraine’s negotiating team, describing the day as “quite an active day.”

He said preparations are underway in Germany for a military group focused on security guarantees for Ukraine, led by Lt. Gen. Mykhailo Hnatov and involving representatives from the armed forces, intelligence services, and security agencies.

In the US, Zelenskyy said a group on economy, reconstruction, and investment “has already begun its work this morning and will keep working to prepare a good outcome.”

He said the Ukrainian side is led by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka, and Economy Minister Oleksii Sobolev, with experts also taking part.

Zelenskyy said a third line of work consists of continuous online contacts between national security advisers and other officials designated by leaders.

“Today, as on almost every day, communication continues between the United States, Ukraine, European countries, and other participants of the Coalition of the Willing,” he said, adding that Umerov is moderating these discussions for Kyiv.

Ukraine has been seeking binding security guarantees and sustained international support as part of broader efforts with Western partners to end the war and secure post-war recovery.