Ukraine talks put 'on pause'
The Kremlin says trilateral peace talks between Washington, Kyiv and Moscow are on a “situational pause” as the Iran war diverts diplomatic attention and Russia prepares new offensives on the battlefield. European leaders warn Moscow is exploiting the distraction, Kyiv rejects Kremlin demands for full control of Donetsk, and allies are urging Europe to stay engaged to prevent a settlement without Ukrainian input. (reuters.com) (apnews.com)
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Izvestia on March 19 that the U.S.-Russia-Ukraine trilateral group is on a “situational pause,” framing the halt as linked to the unfolding war in Iran. (usnews.com) Peskov said Russia’s presidential envoy for economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, “continues to work” on investment and economic tracks even while the trilateral political talks are paused. (iz.ru) Dmitriev has been meeting U.S. interlocutors this month, including White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as part of a bilateral economic working group. (themoscowtimes.com) President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a Ukrainian negotiating delegation was heading to the United States for talks expected over the coming weekend. (apnews.com) The Institute for the Study of War and other analysts say Russia is preparing a spring–summer offensive campaign in parts of Donetsk and the south, even as Ukrainian counterattacks have complicated Moscow’s timeline. (understandingwar.org) Observers and news agencies report that the Iran conflict has pushed global energy prices higher, producing windfall revenues that analysts say strengthen Russia’s ability to finance new operations in Ukraine. (abcnews.com) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Zelensky in London on March 17, told him the international focus “must remain on Ukraine,” and the two signed a new defence partnership aimed at countering drones. (france24.com)
