Russia to Skip US-Ukraine Talks on March 21, Kremlin Confirms

Bilateral Talks Between Ukraine and the United States

According to Главком: The Kremlin has confirmed that Russia will not participate in the bilateral talks between Ukraine and the United States scheduled for March 21. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated,

"No, these will be bilateral contacts between Ukrainians and Americans."

A Ukrainian delegation, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is already en route to the United States to attend the meeting. This meeting occurs amid ongoing international efforts to address the war in Ukraine.

Statement from Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the Ukrainian team representing the political part of the negotiation group is already traveling.

"There was a negotiation pause, it is time to end it. And we are doing everything to ensure the negotiations are truly substantive,"

the Ukrainian president noted. Ambassador to the U.S. Sergiy Kyslytsya will also participate in the meetings. Zelenskyy emphasized that the priority is to secure the possibility of a just peace.

Dmitry Peskov expressed hope for the future resumption of a trilateral negotiation format, stating,

"This pause is temporary. We hope it is temporary."

It is expected that subsequent steps will be aimed at continuing dialogue between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.

In a related diplomatic development, during a visit by U.S. Special Envoy John Cole to Minsk, it was announced that restrictions would be lifted against a number of Belarusian banks and companies, including:

• Belinvestbank
• Development Bank of Belarus
• Ministry of Finance of Belarus
• Belaruskaliya
• Belarusian Potash Company

This move could influence further diplomatic efforts in the region.

These events point to the continuation of a complex diplomatic game between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, which remains tense. Russia's absence from the bilateral talks underscores its isolation in this context, while attempts to revive trilateral formats may signal a potential for reduced tensions in the future. The lifting of restrictions on Belarusian companies also demonstrates a shift in regional policy that could impact subsequent international negotiations.

As the situation evolves, the Kremlin has expressed interest in resuming trilateral discussions involving the U.S. and Ukraine, highlighting the importance of American mediation in these negotiations. For more insights on this diplomatic effort and its implications, you can read about the Kremlin's approach to three-way talks.