Zelenskyy sends Ukrainian negotiators to the U.S. / “It is impossible for us to negotiate with the Russians about future economic projects”

Ukrainian negotiators will visit the United States on Friday and Saturday for talks on the war and prospects for a diplomatic solution, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Thursday. The Kyiv leader urged President Donald Trump to increase pressure on Russia, as Moscow and Kyiv remain divided by incompatible demands regarding the future of the Donbas region.

Zelenskyy made the statements during a visit to Pryluky, in northern Ukraine, a city affected by a Russian attack that caused numerous casualties. He criticized the lack of real progress in the negotiations, saying it was impossible for Russia to discuss future economic projects while the sides maintain that the diplomatic process is deadlocked.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that there are currently no clear prospects for a negotiated solution. According to him, Russia is demanding full control over the Donetsk region, a condition rejected by Ukraine. Rubio said the United States remains prepared to play a constructive role, but warned of the risk of escalation.

The statements came after Russian missile and drone attacks on Wednesday targeted cities, energy infrastructure and industrial facilities. In Pryluky, the toll announced Thursday stood at at least 22 people killed, including five children, and 54 injured. Zelenskyy also cited an overall toll of at least 32 casualties from the attacks. Rubio warned that Russia could try to destroy Ukraine’s power grid before winter, as Ukraine has intensified its long-range attacks on Russian territory.