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Zelenskyy waits on US and Russia to set next peace talks as Ukraine clashes with Europe over oil pipeline
Ukraine says it is ready to resume negotiations to end Russia’s invasion, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the next round of talks depends on Washington and Moscow. The diplomatic uncertainty comes as Kyiv pushes for tighter control over drone exports and disputes European pressure to restart a key Russian oil pipeline.
2 min read
By Aurax Radio — Updated March 16, 2026
File Image: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a media briefing in Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv is ready to resume negotiations to end the war with Russia, but the timing of the next round of talks now depends on decisions by both United States and Moscow. The diplomatic uncertainty comes as the conflict enters its fourth year and as tensions rise over energy supplies and military technology tied to the war.
Waiting for the Next Round of Talks
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is prepared to participate in a new round of trilateral negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s invasion, but the venue and date have yet to be agreed upon by Washington and Moscow. The United States has indicated it could host the meeting, though Russia has not confirmed its participation.
Peace discussions had previously been facilitated by the United States, but global attention has partly shifted to rising tensions in the Middle East, delaying progress. Zelenskyy has warned that such distractions could affect Ukraine’s access to air-defense systems and other military support needed to counter Russian attacks.
On the battlefield, both sides continue to claim gains, highlighting how far a diplomatic settlement remains from reality. Ukrainian forces say they have disrupted Russian positions in parts of southeastern Ukraine, while Russian officials maintain that their troops are advancing in eastern regions such as Donbas.
A Firefighter responds after a Russian missile and drone attack damaged buildings near Kyiv amid ongoing fighting in the war with Russia.
The Druzhba pipeline carries Russian oil through Ukraine to Central Europe and has become a flashpoint in tensions between Kyiv and EU members dependent on the supply.
Ukrainian soldiers operate drones near the front line as Kyiv seeks tighter government control over drone technology exports.
Dispute Over Russian Oil Pipeline
At the same time, Zelenskyy has criticized European pressure to restart the Druzhba pipeline, a Soviet-era oil route that carries Russian crude through Ukraine to Central Europe. The pipeline was damaged earlier this year during Russian strikes on infrastructure inside Ukraine.
Hungary and Slovakia rely heavily on the pipeline and have pushed Kyiv to restore flows, linking the issue to broader European financial support for Ukraine. Hungary has even threatened to block a massive European Union loan and new sanctions against Russia until the pipeline resumes operations.
Zelenskyy has rejected the pressure, describing it as political “blackmail” and arguing that reopening the pipeline could help fund Russia’s war effort.
Controlling Ukraine’s Drone Industry
Another emerging issue is Ukraine’s rapidly growing drone sector. Zelenskyy has called for tighter state oversight of drone exports after reports that a Ukrainian manufacturer sold interceptor drones abroad without sufficient government control.
The Ukrainian leader said the country’s drone technology has become highly sought after internationally, especially as modern conflicts increasingly rely on unmanned aerial systems. Kyiv wants to ensure that any foreign purchases of Ukrainian drones are coordinated through the government rather than arranged directly with manufacturers.
A War With Global Implications
The developments underscore how the war in Ukraine has evolved into a complex geopolitical conflict involving diplomacy, energy security, and defense technology. While Kyiv says it remains ready for peace talks, the timing of the next negotiations — and the prospects for a lasting settlement — remain uncertain.
With fighting continuing on the front lines and tensions growing among Ukraine’s allies, the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining whether diplomacy gains momentum or the conflict deepens further.
Sources: PBS NewsHour, The Guardian, AP News, Financial Times
