A pivotal meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is being organized by the United States, the White House announced. The direct talks, intended to forge a path to peace, are reportedly set to happen in the coming days as part of a new diplomatic push.
President Donald Trump is said to have personally secured Putin’s agreement for the summit during a phone conversation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the planned meeting as the “next phase of the peace process” and confirmed to reporters that Putin had agreed to the sit-down within a two-week window. The administration is also entertaining the idea of a trilateral meeting with Trump if it becomes necessary.
While Washington is projecting confidence, Moscow’s response has been more reserved. Russia’s top diplomat, Sergei Lavrov, remarked that while various formats for peace talks are not being rejected, a leadership summit demands meticulous planning. This indicates that Russia may not share the same sense of urgency or timeline presented by the White House.
President Zelenskyy has publicly stated his readiness to meet Putin, highlighting that the core issue of territorial control will be a direct discussion between them. He is leaving the negotiation of security guarantees to talks with Ukraine’s partners. In line with this, the U.S. has clarified its potential role, with Trump ruling out ground troops but suggesting that American air power could be part of a future security framework for Ukraine.