Ukraine and US Engage in Talks Over Security and Peace Efforts

Ukrainian officials are set to engage in further discussions with their United States counterparts this week, focusing on security guarantees and the potential for peace negotiations with the Kremlin. This comes as Ukraine faces criticism from Hungary and Slovakia regarding its recent drone strikes on the Druzhba pipeline, a key energy supply route for the two nations.

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with US envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv. During their discussions, Zelenskiy indicated that high-level talks involving both political and military leaders from Ukraine and the US are scheduled to take place shortly. This follows a recent summit between US and Russian officials, which did not yield a breakthrough towards peace. “It seems to me that we will have a plan, a basic plan for security guarantees. I think the details still need time,” Zelenskiy stated.

The Ukrainian president expressed his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the proposed configuration that has received support from the US and European leaders. Notably, this format includes a bilateral meeting followed by a trilateral summit involving US President Donald Trump. Although Trump suggested this format, he recently stated that he would “rather not” be involved in the discussions.

Moscow has voiced its position that no summit between Russia and Ukraine should occur until lower-level officials have resolved all outstanding issues. Additionally, the Kremlin has questioned the legitimacy of Zelenskiy’s leadership, insisting that it will never accept the presence of Western troops in Ukraine. Despite this, Zelenskiy and senior Western officials are actively discussing the establishment of a peacekeeping or “reassurance” force as a critical component of any peace agreement.

In a show of support, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney mentioned during his visit to Kyiv on Sunday that he “would not exclude” the possibility of Canada contributing peacekeepers. Similarly, German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil emphasized Germany’s commitment to Ukraine while refraining from confirming any plans to send troops. “It is about Ukrainian, but also European security,” he noted. Klingbeil also reinforced Germany’s standing as Ukraine’s second-largest supporter globally and the largest within Europe.

The tensions between Ukraine and its neighbors, particularly Hungary and Slovakia, have escalated due to Ukraine’s drone attacks on the Druzhba pipeline. Both countries have condemned these actions, asserting that they disrupt energy deliveries and jeopardize their energy security. They have called on the European Union to advocate for an end to Ukrainian operations targeting Russian energy infrastructure.

Despite the backlash, Zelenskiy expressed a desire for continued friendship between Ukraine and Hungary, framing the situation as dependent on Hungary’s stance. In response, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto urged Zelenskiy to cease threats against Hungary and to refrain from actions that jeopardize their energy security. He stated, “A war to which Hungary has nothing to do with can never justify violating our sovereignty.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha countered Szijjarto’s remarks on social media, suggesting that Hungary’s energy security is contingent upon its own decisions to diversify and reduce dependence on Russia, a move he encourages all European nations to undertake.

As discussions continue, the international community remains watchful of the evolving dynamics in the region, with critical implications for security, energy supplies, and diplomatic relations.