Ukraine’s Zelensky Calls for U.S. Support Amid Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his desire for a “strong response” from the U.S. if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not engage in a bilateral meeting with him. This statement comes as former President Donald Trump attempts to facilitate a peace agreement between the two nations, which have been at war since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, Trump has acknowledged that Putin might not be inclined to negotiate.

Zelensky mentioned he is open to meeting with Putin, stating, “I responded quickly to the proposal for a bilateral meeting. We are ready. But what happens if the Russians aren’t ready?” during a press briefing in Kyiv.

He further emphasized, “If the Russians are not ready, we want to see a strong response from the U.S.” Trump had met with both leaders separately last week. Zelensky also visited the White House, accompanied by other European leaders, and met Putin in Alaska the previous week.

The White House indicated that Putin might be amenable to a meeting following a phone conversation with Trump. “President Trump has spoken by phone with Putin and agreed to start a meeting between Putin and Zelensky,” the White House stated, noting that a trilateral meeting involving Trump might still proceed if needed.

Despite diplomatic efforts from the U.S., achieving peace seems uncertain as allies work to determine Ukraine’s potential security guarantees.

Interestingly, Trump characterized the White House’s initial steps toward peace as “very good, early.” Meanwhile, Zelensky pointed out the ambiguity surrounding potential territorial concessions that Russia might consider. Trump has previously suggested that both Ukraine and Russia may need to relinquish some land.

“To discuss what Ukraine is willing to do, let’s first ask what Russia is willing to do,” Zelensky remarked. “We don’t know that.”