Zelensky asserts that Ukraine's involvement is indispensable for any decisions made by Trump and Putin.
In recent developments, President Donald Trump has been actively engaging with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aiming to bring about peace negotiations regarding the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
Initially, Trump proposed a trilateral meeting involving himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy. However, he later shifted focus to arranging a bilateral summit between Putin and Zelenskyy first, acknowledging significant "areas of disagreement" that need resolution before any trilateral talks can take place [1][2].
Zelensky has expressed optimism that Trump understands the importance of ending the nearly three-and-a-half-year war in Eastern Europe (Ukraine) and has expressed hope that the US President is aware of this [3]. The proposed bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy is considered crucial for their bilateral relations, although Moscow has yet to confirm the summit [1].
Russia's demands include direct involvement in any security discussions, with a particular focus on the Donbas region, which Ukraine strongly opposes due to constitutional and sovereignty concerns [1]. The ongoing military actions by Russia, including recent deadly drone and missile strikes, have been condemned by Ukraine as undermining peace efforts [2].
Trump has clarified that any security guarantees for Ukraine would not include US ground troops, with Europe expected to bear most security costs [2]. However, obtaining agreement among Ukraine, Russia, and European powers remains challenging.
In a significant development, Zelensky has ruled out decisions on Ukraine at the upcoming USA-Russia summit, emphasising that no decisions about Ukraine can be made without Ukraine's involvement [4].
As efforts continue to facilitate at least a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy as a precursor to broader talks, the ongoing conflict and Moscow's reluctance continue to pose significant obstacles [1][2].
The forthcoming bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, initially proposed as part of a trilateral discussion, is now considered crucial for their bilateral relations, though Moscow has not yet confirmed the summit. However, due to constitutional and sovereignty concerns, Zelensky has ruled out decisions on Ukraine at the upcoming USA-Russia summit, ensuring that no decisions about Ukraine can be made without Ukraine's involvement.
