Budanov, Umerov and Kyslytsia head to negotiations with the American side
The Ukrainian negotiation group is heading to the United States, where on October 9–10 it will hold meetings with representatives of the administration of President Donald Trump. The negotiations are also expected to include European partners.
This was reported by the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, on his Telegram channel.
According to Budanov, the Ukrainian delegation is already on its way to the US, where important meetings await it. The head of the Presidential Office did not disclose the details of the upcoming discussions.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that negotiations with the American side are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 9 and 10.
With whom the Ukrainian delegation will negotiate
According to Zelenskyy, on October 9, Ukrainian representatives will meet with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are participating in US President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.
The Ukrainian delegation includes:
- Kyrylo Budanov — Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine;
- Serhiy Kyslytsia — First Deputy Head of the Office of the President;
- Rustem Umerov — Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine;
- David Arakhamia — Chairman of the parliamentary faction 'Servant of the People'.
The President of Ukraine said that the meetings are expected to last two days. Kyiv also hopes for the participation of representatives of European states.
The negotiation team is expected to return to Kyiv on Monday, October 12, and report to the president on the results of the consultations.
The talks will cover ceasefire and air defense
Zelenskyy specified that one of the directions of the upcoming talks will be possible options for a sectoral ceasefire.
In particular, proposals are being considered regarding the cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure and the limitation of military actions at sea.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that the parties are considering several options, but it is too early to say which of them may prove realistic.
In addition, strengthening Ukraine's air defense is planned to be discussed with American representatives.
A separate direction of consultations with European partners will be financing further support for Ukraine.
These issues are of particular importance against the backdrop of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and the country's preparation for the winter period.
Russia says it has no plans for a trilateral meeting
The trip of the Ukrainian delegation takes place amid uncertainty regarding the further negotiation process with Russia's participation.
Earlier on October 8, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Ryabkov stated that Moscow does not currently plan new trilateral negotiations with Ukraine and the US.
The Russian side claims that there are currently no agreements on holding the next meeting.
Thus, the consultations scheduled for October 9–10 in the United States do not mean agreement on a new round of negotiations with Russia.
Ukraine and its partners intend to discuss possible diplomatic steps and proposals that could later become the basis for further contacts.
At the time of the Ukrainian delegation's departure, no specific ceasefire agreements have been announced.
Based on materials from: Kyrylo Budanov, European Pravda, Ukrinform.
