U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious goal of reaching a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine by March, though sources say the timeline may slip due to continued disagreements over territorial issues.
According to people familiar with the talks, the proposed framework would require any peace deal to be put to a referendum of Ukrainian voters, alongside national elections. The discussions have taken place in recent meetings in Abu Dhabi and Miami, led by the U.S. negotiating team, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
U.S. officials have indicated that an early vote would be preferable, noting that President Trump is expected to shift focus toward domestic priorities as the November congressional midterms approach. This, they said, could limit the administration’s time and political capital to finalise a peace accord.
A second round of U.S.-brokered talks concluded on Thursday in Abu Dhabi, resulting in the release of 314 prisoners of war and an agreement to resume discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the next trilateral meeting is likely to take place soon in the United States.
Voting Timeline Faces Hurdles
Sources said U.S. and Ukrainian officials have discussed holding elections and a referendum as early as May, but several insiders described the proposed timeline as unrealistic. Ukraine’s election authorities estimate that organising a nationwide vote under current conditions would take around six months.
Holding elections would also require legislative changes, as voting is prohibited under martial law, and would involve significant costs. Ukraine has insisted on a ceasefire during any voting period, citing concerns over Russia’s past violations of agreed pauses in fighting.
Kyiv maintains that no agreement can be finalised without firm security guarantees from the United States and its partners.
Territorial Disputes Remain Key Obstacle
While Ukraine has sent senior political figures to the talks, Russia’s delegation is military-led and headed by GRU chief Admiral Igor Kostyukov. The negotiations continue to face major challenges, particularly over the future of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region.
Russia is demanding control over the entire Donbas, despite Ukraine retaining control of significant portions of the territory. Kyiv has rejected this demand but has shown limited openness to alternative arrangements, such as demilitarised or special economic zones.
Another sticking point is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, located in Russian-occupied territory. Moscow has opposed a U.S. proposal for international control of the facility, while Ukraine has rejected Russia’s offer to supply it with discounted electricity.
Even if negotiators resolve these issues, analysts warn that Ukrainian voters could still reject territorial concessions in a referendum. Russia currently occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine. (Agencies)
