US and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed the possibility of reaching a peace agreement with Russia as early as March 2026, according to Reuters. The information was reported by The WP Times, citing the Reuters report. Reuters says three sources familiar with the talks described the proposed timeline as highly ambitious and likely to be delayed due to the lack of agreement on key issues, most notably territorial questions. Five additional sources told the news agency that under one of the scenarios being discussed, any peace agreement would be put to a referendum, potentially held at the same time as national elections.
According to Reuters, the US negotiating team, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner, conveyed during recent meetings in Abu Dhabi and Miami that holding a vote sooner rather than later would be preferable.
Sources said US officials believe President Trump is likely to focus increasingly on domestic priorities as the November midterm elections approach, reducing the time and political capital available for advancing a peace deal later in the year. Two sources said US and Ukrainian officials also discussed the possibility of holding elections and a referendum as early as May. However, several other people briefed on the talks described the proposed timetable as unrealistic.
“The Americans are in a hurry,” one source told Reuters, adding that while a vote could technically be organised in less than six months, it would still require significant preparation.
Ukraine, according to the sources, is seeking a ceasefire during any voting period to protect the integrity of a potential referendum. Ukrainian officials have pointed to Russia’s previous failure to uphold agreed ceasefires as a key concern. Kyiv’s position, one source said, is that no peace agreement can be finalised without firm security guarantees for Ukraine from the United States and its partners.
Peace talks
A second round of talks involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia took place on 4 and 5 February in Abu Dhabi. Following the meetings, participants described the discussions as “constructive”. Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council secretary Rustem Umerov said the delegations discussed possible mechanisms for implementing and monitoring a ceasefire.
Earlier on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian delegation was returning home, while preparations were already under way for further trilateral meetings, which he said were expected to take place in the coming weeks.
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