Trump Calls for Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting Following 'Very Good' Talks

WASHINGTON — Following productive talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, US President Donald Trump announced plans to broker a direct meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump revealed on Truth Social that he had already discussed arrangements with Putin, though no date or venue—potentially Geneva or Baudapest—has been confirmed. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested the summit could occur within two weeks.

The Washington discussions deliberately avoided territorial concessions, a contentious issue given Putin’s demand for Ukraine to cede Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—terms Kyiv rejects as unconstitutional. Instead, talks focused on security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression post-peace deal.

Zelensky described the talks as a “significant step forward,” highlighting a $90 billion Ukrainian proposal, including US purchases of Ukrainian drones.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the State Department will draft security guarantee proposals, coordinating with NATO and European allies. Zelensky’s broader plan, per the Financial Times, involves $100 billion in US arms purchases funded by Europe and a $50 billion US-Ukraine drone production venture.

Ukraine also seeks ten Patriot air-defense systems and reparations from $300 billion in frozen Russian assets, contingent on Moscow’s compliance with a peace deal.

While Trump’s push for a summit marks a diplomatic milestone, analysts warn that unresolved territorial disputes could hinder a lasting settlement. Zelensky emphasized that peace must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

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