US-brokered negotiations in early 2026 centered on a potential peace framework that would require Ukrainian voter approval via referendum, often discussed alongside presidential elections targeted for May. Key sticking points remain territorial concessions in Donbas and security guarantees, with Russia demanding full cession of remaining Ukrainian-controlled areas before any ceasefire. Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that major territorial changes would need parliamentary or popular ratification and would likely face rejection without reciprocal security assurances. Diplomatic momentum slowed after March bilateral talks in Florida, as US attention shifted toward the Iran conflict, leading to a confirmed pause in trilateral discussions by early April. Limited progress includes ongoing prisoner exchanges, while battlefield violations during the April Orthodox Easter ceasefire attempt underscored the absence of conditions needed for voting logistics. No referendum date has been formally set amid these unresolved issues.