Zelenskyy backs U.S. and Europe joint mediation efforts for Russia talks

What happened

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CBS News journalist Margaret Brennan in an interview recorded on May 29 that he believes the best format for talks with Russia should jointly involve the United States and European partners. This position was reported by New Voice Ukraine.

Zelenskyy's endorsement of a combined U.S.-Europe mediation approach signals Kyiv’s preference for broad Western involvement in any negotiation process with Moscow. It suggests Ukraine sees value in coordinated diplomatic pressure and support rather than isolated bilateral talks.

The source material does not provide further details on how Russia views this proposed mediation format or whether Moscow has offered any response or alternative proposals.

Known from the source

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a CBS News interview recorded May 29 that he believes the best negotiation format with Russia includes both the U.S. and European partners.
• This information is reported by New Voice Ukraine.

What remains unclear

This statement adds to the evolving diplomatic narrative around ongoing and potential future negotiations but remains an expressed preference by the Ukrainian leadership, lacking independent verification of progress or commitment from other parties.

What remains unclear: Confirm full transcript or recording of Zelenskyy's interview with CBS News to verify exact phrasing and context. Check for any official responses or statements from U.S., European governments, and Russia regarding Zelenskyy's suggested mediation format. Verify correct attributions to Zelenskyy and CBS News to avoid misrepresentation. Confirm the interview recording date and source details for publication metadata.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: New Voice Ukraine. Open the source.