Ukraine is aiming to resume peace talks with Russia in September, with the potential inclusion of United States representatives, according to Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of staff for the Ukrainian president. Budanov expressed optimism about reviving the negotiations, suggesting that further developments could occur next month.
"I’m hoping for that, yes, and American ones too, of course. We can’t do without them," Budanov stated in an interview with Ukrainian media outlet Novyny Live, when asked if the September talks would involve direct negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators.
The peace talks, which were previously led by the U.S., stalled earlier this year. Ukraine reportedly refused Russian demands to cede additional territory, while Washington became increasingly focused on its conflict with Iran. The last trilateral talks involving Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. representatives took place in February. Since then, Ukrainian and Russian representatives have engaged in separate discussions with the U.S. team.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently indicated that Ukraine perceives a window of opportunity for U.S. mediation until the end of next summer. Ukraine has drafted a one-page proposal outlining ideas, developed with U.S. and European officials, to present to Moscow.