Ukraine talks frozen as US shifts focus
US-brokered peace talks for Ukraine are formally stalled after US officials barred designated negotiators from overseas travel because of Middle East security concerns, effectively freezing the process reported. President Zelensky says Kyiv remains ready to meet in any neutral venue, but European leaders like Emmanuel Macron warned Russia not to assume the Iran crisis will ease pressure on Moscow reported argued.
U.S. negotiating team figures named in recent rounds include special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have led bilateral meetings this winter. abcnews.com A trilateral technical round between the U.S., Ukraine and Russia met in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 4, 2026 and closed without a ceasefire while arranging a prisoner exchange, according to reporting. france24.com Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Paris on March 13 to coordinate with European partners and said Kyiv remains prepared to meet in any neutral venue, per his joint appearances with French officials. france24.com French President Emmanuel Macron publicly warned that Moscow should not expect the Iran war to relieve pressure on Russia and pledged Europe would keep sanctions in place, while the U.S. Treasury issued a temporary 30‑day authorization to allow some stranded Russian oil sales — a step Zelensky warned could channel roughly $10 billion to Moscow. france24.com
