Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Zelenskyy Says Territory Remains Relevant in Ukraine Peace Talks
Ukraine and the United States held talks about how to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the question of land controlled by each side is still important.
He said some of the hardest decisions may need to be made by national leaders.
The talks also discussed ways to protect Ukraine and help rebuild its economy.
United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had previously spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
They brought ideas from those discussions to Kyiv.
The United States said it wants a peaceful diplomatic solution instead of continuing to fight.
Ukraine, the United States, and European countries plan to keep discussing a possible peace agreement.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said territorial arrangements remain relevant to efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Zelenskyy held three substantive rounds of talks in Kyiv with United States envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The discussions covered security guarantees, Ukraine’s future, economic recovery, reconstruction, and territorial issues.
Witkoff said the United States brought ideas from earlier Moscow talks with Vladimir Putin to Kyiv and favored a diplomatic solution.
Ukraine, the United States, and European partners agreed to continue consultations, including a planned meeting with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and representatives from Ukraine, the United States, and Europe.
- What
- They held talks about reviving negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, including territorial arrangements, security guarantees, and Ukraine’s economic recovery.
- When
- Sunday, with further Ukraine-United States-European discussions planned for the near future.
- Where
- Kyiv, following earlier talks between the United States delegation and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
- Why
- The discussions aimed to advance a diplomatic process and work toward a dignified, reliable, and lasting peace agreement.
Ukraine’s Security and Territorial Concerns
United States Diplomatic Approach
Territory and guarantees
Ukraine’s Security and Territorial Concerns
Zelenskyy said the territorial issue remains relevant and that complex questions may require decisions by national leaders. He also said Ukraine needs strong, clear guarantees and a strong army.
United States Diplomatic Approach
The United States delegation said it was carrying ideas from discussions with Vladimir Putin and was seeking a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Negotiation format
Ukraine’s Security and Territorial Concerns
Zelenskyy said the specific format matters less than keeping dialogue going and welcomed European participation in the process.
United States Diplomatic Approach
The United States pursued discussions with both Moscow and Kyiv, while supporting continued consultations involving Washington, Kyiv, and European partners.
Postwar priorities
Ukraine’s Security and Territorial Concerns
Ukraine emphasized security, recovery, reconstruction, energy support, air defense, and economic guarantees.
United States Diplomatic Approach
Jared Kushner said Russia’s stated objectives should be considered alongside broader aspirations that could potentially be addressed after the conflict ends.
- Main issue
- Territorial arrangements remain a relevant part of the peace discussions.
- Kyiv talks
- Zelenskyy said three rounds of discussions with the United States delegation took place.
- Security
- Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s military strength should remain a central security guarantee.
- Other topics
- The talks included security guarantees, Ukraine’s future, economic guarantees, recovery, and reconstruction.
- United States position
- Steve Witkoff said Washington was seeking a diplomatic rather than military solution.
- European participation
- European representatives joined the third part of the discussions.
- Planned format
- The next announced format includes Ukraine, the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.