Ukraine is preparing to begin consultations with the United States in Switzerland on potential terms for ending the war, a senior security official announced on Saturday.

“...we are starting consultations between high-ranking officials of Ukraine and the United States on the possible parameters of a future peace agreement in Switzerland,” National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov wrote on Telegram, adding that Kiev “appreciate[s] the participation of the American side and its readiness for substantive talks.”

Umerov later amended his post, removing an earlier reference to European partners taking part.

On his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved the makeup of the Ukrainian delegation, which will be led by his chief of staff and include senior defense and security officials, according to a statement from his office. He also signed off on the negotiation guidelines.

“Ukraine will never be an obstacle to peace, and representatives of the Ukrainian state will defend the legitimate interests of the Ukrainian people and the foundations of European security,” the presidency said. 

Putin: Trump peace plan could be basis for final resolution in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed on Friday US President Donald Trump's 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine, suggesting that it offers a potential foundation for resolving the conflict, if Kiev and its Western allies are willing to engage in serious dialogue.

Speaking during a meeting with the permanent members of Russia’s Security Council, Putin said the plan, which outlines key conditions for peace, could serve as a "basis for a final peaceful settlement."

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The plan includes a reduction in US military aid, granting Russian language state status in Ukraine, recognizing the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, limiting Ukraine's armed forces, and prohibiting foreign troops and long-range weapons on Ukrainian territory.

"I believe that it [Trump's plan] can be the basis for a final peaceful settlement," Putin stated. However, he noted that the plan has not yet been discussed directly with Russia in detail, as Ukraine remains opposed to the initiative. "This text is not discussed with us in detail," he added.

Preliminary talks before Anchorage

Putin revealed that the Trump peace plan had been previously discussed in general terms before the high-level Anchorage summit between Russian and US officials in Alaska back in August. 

"President Trump's peace plan to resolve the situation in Ukraine was discussed before the Alaska meeting. And during this preliminary discussion, the American side asked us to make certain compromises, to show, as they said, flexibility," Putin said.

During the Anchorage talks, Moscow reiterated its willingness to consider the plan seriously and adapt where necessary. "The main purpose of the meeting in Alaska was that… we nevertheless agree with these proposals and are ready to show the flexibility offered to us," he explained.

Putin emphasized that Moscow had received the modernized 28-point plan through official communication channels with the US administration, indicating that the current version emerged after Ukraine rejected earlier iterations. The rejection led to a temporary suspension of discussions.

Russia ready for substantive talks, but Kiev refuses

Reiterating Russia's openness to dialogue, Putin said Moscow is prepared to engage in detailed discussions on all elements of the proposal. "As I have said many times before, we are ready for peaceful negotiations and peaceful solutions to problems. However, this requires, of course, a substantive discussion of all the details of the proposed plan. We are ready for this."

However, he blamed Ukraine for stalling the process, noting that Kiev's leadership is disconnected from the realities on the battlefield and is rejecting negotiations based on flawed assumptions.

"This position is due to the lack of objective information about the situation, the real state of affairs on the battlefield. And, apparently, neither Ukraine nor Europe understands what this may eventually lead to," Putin warned.

He further added that events similar to the recent escalation in the city of Kupyansk will likely be repeated if Ukraine continues to refuse dialogue. "If Kiev does not want to discuss Trump's proposals, then they and Europeans should understand that events like in the city of Kupyansk will be repeated," he said.