President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated that a recent cease-fire between Iran and the United States creates a brief opportunity to resume peace negotiations, but warned the window is rapidly closing. Iran and the United States announced the truce this week, which could facilitate talks on ending the war in Ukraine. However, Zelensky emphasized that negotiations have stalled for over a year with little progress except for temporary cease-fires. The talks collapsed last month after the United Arab Emirates, their host, was targeted by Iranian airstrikes in retaliation for strikes by Israel and the U.S. Russia's President Vladimir Putin also declared a two-day Easter cease-fire, which Zelensky welcomed but did not immediately commit to following.

Zelensky stressed that any new talks must achieve significant progress before the United States election cycle intensifies, as Washington's focus will shift inward. He expressed skepticism about breakthrough prospects even if negotiations restart soon, citing domestic political pressures on Ukraine. Zelensky also revealed disagreements with the Trump administration over intelligence on Russian support for Iran, and pressure to scale back Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, which are aimed at disrupting Moscow's war funding.