What’s Next for Ukraine? Key Talks with US and Russia on the Horizon

As Ukraine gears up for crucial discussions with US representatives and upcoming trilateral talks with Russia, President Zelenskyy emphasizes the nation's resilience against ongoing aggression. The meetings aim to address postwar recovery strategies and potential prisoner exchanges. Despite the challenges, recent military gains by Ukrainian forces signal a shift in the conflict's dynamics. This article delves into the details of the upcoming talks and the broader implications for Ukraine's future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 16:39 IST

Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements

Kyiv: A Ukrainian delegation is scheduled to meet with American representatives on Thursday as part of preparations for another trilateral discussion with Russia, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, will engage in talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, as reported by Zelenskyy during a media briefing on Wednesday.

The discussions are set to occur in Geneva, as confirmed by Umerov's press secretary, Diana Davytian.

On the same day, Geneva will also host nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Despite previous US-led peace initiatives that brought Russia and Ukraine together in Abu Dhabi and Geneva this year, no significant progress has been made in resolving critical issues as Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine approaches its fifth year.

The upcoming meeting will focus on a potential postwar recovery strategy for Ukraine and preparations for a trilateral meeting with Russian officials. Zelenskyy has also instructed Umerov to explore the possibility of a prisoner exchange.

Zelenskyy expressed a desire for the discussions with Russia to occur next week.

In a bold statement on Tuesday, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine remains undefeated and resilient, despite facing a larger and better-equipped Russian military and extensive attacks on civilian areas.

Recent reports from the Institute for the Study of War indicate that Ukrainian forces have successfully pushed back Russian troops along parts of the approximately 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) front line in eastern Ukraine.

These gains are the most significant since 2024, although they may not lead to major offensives due to troop shortages. Nevertheless, they are expected to hinder Russian plans for a spring-summer offensive.

Ukraine has also maintained its regular long-range drone strikes targeting military and allied infrastructure deep within Russia.

The US State Department has voiced concerns regarding Ukraine's recent strikes on the Russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea, which have affected US oil interests in Kazakhstan, as stated by Kyiv's chief envoy to Washington.

In a separate incident early Wednesday, a Ukrainian drone attack on the Dorogobuzh fertilizer plant in Russia's Smolensk region resulted in the deaths of four workers and injuries to ten others, according to Governor Vasily Anokhin. The attack also caused a fire at the facility.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia launched 115 strike drones overnight.