In early 2026, Kyiv has become a key venue for the continuation of international consultations on a peace settlement and security issues surrounding Ukraine. National security advisers and senior foreign policy officials from around 15 countries — members of the European Union and NATO — have arrived in the Ukrainian capital. The talks are taking place amid ongoing hostilities and the absence of a breakthrough in the peace process in 2025, which adds particular significance to the meetings. The United States is participating in the discussions remotely, while remaining one of the key stakeholders in the dialogue.

The central focus of the talks is on shaping possible parameters of a future peace plan and building a long-term security architecture for Ukraine. According to Ukraine’s Minister of Defence and chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, the discussions are structured around three main tracks. The first concerns work on political and legal documents that could eventually form the basis of potential agreements. The second track is economic in nature, addressing Ukraine’s recovery, international financial assistance, investment, and mechanisms to support the Ukrainian economy during the ongoing war and the post-war period. The third track combines military and political aspects of cooperation with partners, including continued defence support for Ukraine and possible formats for security guarantees.

Participants in the consultations acknowledge that, despite intensive diplomatic efforts last year, key elements of a peace settlement were not agreed in 2025. Significant disagreements remain over the terms of a ceasefire, security arrangements, and mechanisms to monitor and enforce any potential agreements. As a result, the talks in Kyiv are seen not as a final stage but as a continuation of a lengthy and complex process that has carried over into 2026 without definitive outcomes, yet with a shared understanding of the need to maintain dialogue and coordination among allies.

Alongside the multilateral meetings, Ukraine has stepped up bilateral contacts. In particular, the leaders of Ukraine and the United Kingdom held a phone call to discuss efforts to achieve a ceasefire and possible next steps to strengthen security. Special attention was given to the idea of a multinational security contingent — a format that has increasingly been mentioned in diplomatic circles in recent months as a potential tool for stabilising the situation after a possible agreement.

Overall, the current consultations in Kyiv demonstrate the determination of Ukraine and its partners to pursue a comprehensive approach to resolving the conflict. This approach combines diplomatic efforts, economic support, and discussions of practical security mechanisms. While no rapid breakthroughs are expected from these talks, the level of representation and the breadth of the agenda indicate an intention to preserve international unity and gradually lay the groundwork for future political decisions.

#UKRAINE

03.01.2026 06:09