The Head of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, Oleksandr Merezhko, stated that there is a “deadlock” in the current negotiation process regarding the resolution of Russia’s war against Ukraine. He made this announcement while commenting on the results of the meeting between the Presidents of Ukraine and the USA in Davos.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Negotiation Process and Positions of the Parties
Key issues remain unresolved. Oleksandr Merezhko noted that American politician Steve Vitkoff insists on the necessity of withdrawing Ukrainian troops from the territory of the Donetsk region, while the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine currently appears more symbolic than real. According to him, this is the essence of the deadlock in the negotiations.
“The main issues remain as they were. Mr. Vitkoff insists on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the territory of the Donetsk region. Perhaps there is a discussion about the so-called security guarantees, which at this point seem more symbolic than any real guarantees. This is essentially the deadlock,” said Merezhko.
At the same time, Merezhko emphasized that Ukraine must continue to participate in negotiations, even if they do not yield immediate results. In his opinion, such discussions have political and diplomatic significance, as they allow the USA to remain engaged in the process and prevent accusations from Russia regarding the disruption of negotiations.
Composition of the Ukrainian Delegation and Prospects for Negotiations
Oleksandr Merezhko also commented on the composition of the Ukrainian delegation that will participate in the planned trilateral negotiations in the United Arab Emirates. According to him, the team is traditional and has already proven its effectiveness. The Ukrainian side will be represented by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Head of the President’s Office Kyrylo Budanov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the President Serhiy Kyslytsia, Head of the parliamentary faction “Servant of the People” Davyd Arakhamia, and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andriy Hnatov.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the trilateral meeting in the UAE will take place with the participation of representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the USA. The dialogue will focus on a peace plan for ending the war. Zelensky added that the negotiations will last two days and will be held at the level of negotiators.
Separately, the President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of post-war security guarantees that must be provided by the United States. He also described his meeting with US President Donald Trump as positive, despite the complexity of the dialogue.
Among the main topics of the negotiations remains the issue of increasing assistance to Ukraine to strengthen its defense capabilities and protect against Russian shelling. Prior to the planned meeting between representatives of the USA and Russia in Moscow, consultations took place between the Ukrainian delegation and Trump’s negotiators.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding the prospects of reaching an agreement to end the war, stating that the parties are “fairly close” to a deal.
Merezhko noted that the end of the war in 2026 is unlikely and urged Ukrainians to prepare for a prolonged struggle. He emphasized the need to maintain resilience and be ready for a “marathon.”