Ukraine and US Push for Leader-Level Peace Talks in March

Peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are gaining momentum, with leaders preparing for a crucial meeting in early March that could mark a turning point in ending the four-year war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday night to discuss the path forward. The half-hour call included US envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, focusing on preparations for what both leaders hope will become direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

"We expect this meeting to create an opportunity to move talks to the leaders' level," Zelenskyy said. He emphasized that direct conversations between national leaders represent "the only way to resolve all the complex and sensitive issues and finally end the war."

On Thursday, Ukrainian and American officials met in Geneva to work out the details. The discussions covered plans for Ukraine's post-war economic recovery, preparations for the March trilateral meeting with Moscow, and a potential prisoner swap that could reunite families separated by conflict.

Russia sent its economic affairs envoy Kirill Dmitriev to meet separately with US negotiators on economic matters, signaling Moscow's engagement in the peace process.

The Ripple Effect

This renewed peace push comes at a critical moment. The war has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions of Ukrainians from their homes. Rebuilding Ukraine's economy will cost an estimated $588 billion, according to Monday's World Bank assessment.

Thursday's Geneva meeting included discussions of a "prosperity package" designed to help Ukraine recover and rebuild once peace is achieved. The US is actively working to broker an end to what has become Europe's biggest conflict since World War II.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store joined Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday, demonstrating continued European support for Ukraine's path to peace. Zelenskyy noted that while military challenges remain, the real obstacles now are political will and territorial questions.

Both sides acknowledge significant gaps remain in their positions. Moscow wants control of Ukraine's industrial heartland, the Donbas region, while Ukraine insists on security guarantees from allies like the US to prevent future invasions.

Despite these challenges, the fact that all parties are actively preparing for leader-level talks represents real progress after years of devastating conflict.