Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Set for This Weekend in U.S.

Negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine are scheduled to capture place in the United States on March 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday, March 19. A Ukrainian delegation, including key officials, has already departed for the U.S., Zelenskyy stated in his evening address.

“There are signals from the American side about their readiness to continue working in existing negotiation formats to end Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said, confirming a recent pause in diplomatic efforts. He emphasized the urgency of finding a resolution, stating, “It’s time to end it.”

Key Ukrainian Negotiators

The Ukrainian negotiating team will consist of Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council; Kyrylo Budanov, head of the President’s Office; and David Arakhamia, Chairman of the Servant of the People faction in parliament. Serhiy Kyslytsia, First Deputy Head of the President’s Office, will also participate in the meeting.

European Involvement Urged

On March 18, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for European nations to be directly involved in the negotiations. “It is unacceptable for negotiations to be conducted over the head of Ukraine and over the head of Europeans – only between Russia and the United States,” Merz stated to the Bundestag, also advocating for increased pressure on Moscow through joint U.S. And European efforts.

Economic Pressure on Russia

Merz indicated that Berlin possesses “reliable information” suggesting the Russian economy is “seriously suffering” as a result of the war and imposed sanctions. He believes continued pressure through these sanctions is a crucial lever for the EU and the U.S.

U.S. Aid to Ukraine

As of December 31, 2025, the U.S. Congress had allocated $188 billion in spending related to the war in Ukraine, according to the U.S. Special Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve Council on Foreign Relations. This includes $164 billion from five pieces of legislation passed through April 2024, with the remainder coming from annual agency budgets and other appropriations. A $20 billion loan was provided to Ukraine through the World Bank, to be repaid using interest from frozen Russian assets.

To date, the U.S. Has provided $66.9 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022 U.S. Department of State.