Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that he proposed to U.S. President Donald Trump the idea of a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the United States. This comes as the latest attempt to revive the political dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.
In a video address posted on the platform 'X,' Zelensky discussed with Trump over the phone the possibility of arranging a meeting with the Russian president on American soil, describing this format as one that could leave Moscow with a difficult decision to decline.
Zelensky stated, "I discussed with President Trump the possibility of organizing such a meeting in the United States, in a format where it would be immensely challenging for Putin to reject," noting that he awaits the outcome of the upcoming communications.
These statements emerge as international efforts continue to find a resolution to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, amidst previous setbacks aimed at initiating direct negotiations between the two sides.
Potential U.S. Involvement
The Ukrainian proposal reflects Kyiv's desire to give Washington a pivotal role in any potential negotiating track, especially given Trump's administration's direct relations with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Moreover, the potential choice of Washington as the venue for the meeting indicates an attempt to provide a political and diplomatic framework that grants the discussions additional momentum, should the Kremlin agree to participate.
No official comment has yet been issued by Moscow regarding Zelensky's proposal, nor has the Ukrainian president clarified whether Trump conveyed the idea directly to Putin or expressed any specific stance on it.
The likelihood of a direct meeting between the presidents depends first on Russia's consent, in addition to agreeing on a clear agenda that could lay the groundwork for addressing issues of war, security, and future political arrangements between the countries.
The Ukrainian initiative comes at a time of rapid diplomatic moves and increasing international pressure to end the war and push toward a political settlement, addressing one of Europe's largest conflicts in recent decades.